PerspectivesGospel training in India
Bonnie and Del Orser
Although poverty is widespread and unemployment remains high, India now ranks as the ninth largest industrial economy in the world. Very diverse in terms of language, religion (Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim), and cultural traditions, the people of India (only 2.3 percent of whom are Christian) comprise one-sixth of the world’s population.
The Gospel Outreach (GO) region we oversee covers a large area of East Central India–all of Odisha State and two Adventist conferences in Andhra Pradesh. More than 90 million people live in these two states with only 197,090 Adventists. GO sponsors 147 Bible workers in this region.
During our recent visit to India, we adopted the motto “Reaching the Unreached for Jesus,” focusing on “Witnessing to the Lost and Training the Saved.” We met with the Adventist leadership first, so they understood and supported the new outreach method we would be sharing.
Our GO workers arrived from distant villages to study how they might become more effective in ministry. We began by covering 10 points of discipleship to affirm each worker had an experience they could develop into a personal testimony. We then focused on three areas: What was your life like before you met Jesus? What brought you to Jesus? and What is life like now that you know Him? Workers reacted with enthusiasm as we presented the power of witnessing through sharing personal testimonies.
After hearing exciting testimonies from our GO workers, we concluded by stressing the importance of follow-up through teaching Bible stories and establishing home churches. Before leaving, we met with each GO worker independently and heard firsthand the blessings and challenges they face in serving God.
We are truly grateful for your prayers and sacrificial support of Gospel Outreach and the Adopt-a-Worker program.
