Pastor Satish Moses, Oakseed Ministry Coordinator and Ministry Liaison to India, had the opportunity to visit India at the end of the summer. In addition to visiting Ashirvad Kanti, Calvary Mission Center, and Sugandh, he had the opportunity to do evangelism in several remote villages. His group shared the gospel in each village, hosted some children’s meetings, and were able to have conversations and pray with numerous people. He also made time to encourage several local pastors and evangelists and their families, enjoying fellowship and prayer together.
Here are some of his observations from this trip.
As I entered the slums of New Delhi, Nagpur, and Chennai, the stark reality of the living conditions hit me hard. Families crammed into makeshift shelters constructed from salvaged materials, struggling to find even the most basic amenities like clean water and sanitation facilities. The lack of proper infrastructure was palpable as we saw children playing amidst garbage and open drains, exposing them to unimaginable health risks!
One of the most heart-wrenching aspects was the lack of access to education and healthcare. Many children had to forgo schooling to support their families, often engaging in hazardous labor to make ends meet. The absence of adequate medical care exacerbated the vulnerability of these communities, as preventable illnesses took a toll on their overall well-being.
Amid such dire circumstances, it became abundantly clear that the residents of these slums were not just in need of material assistance but also spiritual and emotional support. Their hearts yearned for hope and a sense of purpose amid their struggles. This is where the holistic nature of our mission trip came into play.
We had the privilege of not only providing immediate relief to those in dire situations but also of sharing the gospel of hope through Jesus Christ. As we gathered to share stories and testimonies, a sense of warmth and encouragement enveloped the community. The message of Christ’s love and compassion resonated deeply, offering a glimmer of hope that transcended their physical circumstances.
Through prayer, worship, and discussions, we connected with the residents on a personal level, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie. It was heartening to witness their receptiveness to the message of faith, which served as a source of strength and comfort in the face of adversity.
This mission trip underscored the importance of addressing these communities’ physical and spiritual needs. While material aid can alleviate immediate hardships, the message of hope and transformation through Christ has the power to bring lasting change. The people we met were not just recipients of assistance; they were individuals with dreams, aspirations, and a longing for purpose.
As I reflect on the experiences from this trip, I am reminded of the profound impact that compassion and faith can have on the lives of those in need. Our efforts, no matter how small they may seem, have the potential to ignite a spark of change that reverberates far beyond the confines of the slums.
Children’s Bible Meetings in the Remote Villages
The heartwarming aspect of this mission was witnessing the genuine curiosity and openness of the children as they engaged in the Bible singing and listened to the Gospel. We could bridge cultural gaps and establish connections beyond religious differences through creative activities, interactive lessons, and heartfelt conversations. These young minds, filled with wonder and curiosity, demonstrated an eagerness to learn about the teachings of Jesus and His message of love, compassion, and forgiveness. It was evident that seeds of faith were being planted in their hearts, encouraging them to explore spirituality and contemplate the deeper questions of life.
Youth Bible Camp with Oakseed’s ministry partners
Our primary focus was to organize and conduct a combined youth camp, which brought together more than 600 enthusiastic young individuals from various walks of life. The energy and passion displayed by these young hearts were truly inspiring, and they affirmed our belief in the power of faith and community. Throughout the camp, we engaged in activities designed to foster spiritual growth, personal development, and the building of lasting friendships.
Pastoral Training and Encouragement
This mission trip took me on an inspiring and sometimes challenging journey through various regions of north, central, and south India, where I had the opportunity to visit several churches and communities. The purpose of our trip was twofold: first, to share the message of hope, love, and salvation through Jesus Christ, and second, to provide much-needed training and encouragement to pastors and evangelists facing persecution for their faith.
The stories we encountered were both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. We met pastors and evangelists who have displayed unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Despite their daily risks, they remain committed to spreading the Gospel and supporting their communities. Their dedication and resilience have left an indelible mark on our hearts.
During our time in India, we conducted workshops and training sessions to equip pastors and evangelists with practical ministry and spiritual growth tools. We covered topics such as effective communication of the Gospel, leadership skills, and strategies for handling challenges in a hostile environment. The hunger for knowledge and the eagerness to learn that we witnessed among these brave men and women were truly inspiring.
Our interactions with local churches were equally enriching. We were warmly welcomed by congregations who expressed deep gratitude for our presence and the encouragement we brought. The bonds we formed, and the unity we felt within the body of Christ transcended cultural and language barriers.
As we reflected on our experiences, we were reminded of the Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” This verse encapsulates the spirit of our mission trip—standing unashamedly for the Gospel and supporting those who do the same, even in the face of persecution.
Evangelism and Fellowship
Meet Cornelius, from my native village in India. He was into drugs and wayward living. Filled with the thought of being unproductive and guilty, he attempted suicide by drinking poison. But the Lord spared his life and revealed Himself to him through the gospel. Cornelius was severely persecuted by his family and shunned from the village for his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Cornelius approached my father, who had by then become a Christian. My father, from an upper caste, who had also converted from being a Hindu and the village leader, gave shelter to Cornelius.
Twenty-one years ago, Cornelius and I wrote gospel verses on the walls and boulders in that village. For the glory of God, we now hear the villagers testifying that those stones spoke to them of the message of Christ’s love.
During this visit, Cornelius and I once again shared the gospel throughout all the streets of my village and neighboring villages for three days, visiting door-to-door and preaching open-air.
Cornelius was very thankful to receive a smartphone as a gift from me and is in constant touch. He is now married and serving the Lord as an evangelist. The Lord used my visit to strengthen him in his mission for Christ and gave him a strong foothold in that village community.
Prayer Points
- Pray for the Lord to cause His word to bear fruit of repentance and faith in the lives of the adults and children who heard it preached.
- Pray for the Lord to encourage and sustain the ministry leaders, evangelists, and pastors in their labors, keeping them from growing weary, protecting them from persecution, and emboldening them to share the true gospel with their communities.
- Pray for the Lord to assure and grow believers in these areas, granting them a hunger and thirst for His word and growing them in faith and hope in Christ.
