19 May Disciples in the time of Covid
Tom* and his team live and minister in the highlands of India, where the residents are mostly high-caste and staunch Hindus; the Christian population is less than a percent. But it isn’t always easy. Many of the young and dynamic leaders in their group, who minister in the surrounding villages face much persecution – both from their own families as well as the people around.
Most of these leaders are the only believers in their families and as such, it is sometimes hard to meet them in their own homes to encourage them and keep them motivated. The team has taken to meet via Zoom since the lockdowns began and the online fellowship has helped tremendously.
Recently, they began brainstorming on how to set up more home churches in the villages and develop even more home-based leaders in the villages, who can reach out within their community, despite lockdowns. This model had proved to be very effective in the past, especially with a young lady named Sue,* a Hindu from one of these villages.
Sue became a believer and follower of Christ, and subsequently, became a leader in that small village. She began reading the Bible and attending an online Bible training class, which the team conducted every week via Zoom. Sue became so inspired and transformed by the teaching that she now goes door-to-door to share the gospel with others in her village and prays for them.
Over the last three months, Tom and his team began to teach from the book of Acts – on how to become a home-based leader and start a home-based Church. The team experienced a wonderful time with Sue and her family, as they equipped and taught them. They prayed and eventually, anointed Sue to be the leader of the home church in that village.
Please do pray for Sue and her family, as well as her endeavours to share the gospel within her village. Pray for safety and for her to continually grow in the knowledge of Jesus and draw on His wisdom, strength, and grace.
*names changed to protect privacy