WHY THE PROJECT: While countries like the USA receive plenty of cross-cultural leaders in regions that are already reached, India has by far the most need for workers in its unreached areas, but still receives far less than other nations. Our churches (Emmanuel Fellowship Churches) alone minister to more than a hundred castes in nine North Indian states. Many castes, subcastes and tribes are newly reached every year in remote villages and towns. Every Indian caste has a separate way of life. Even people of two different castes or tribes rarely enter wedlock and it is even prohibited by the caste system. For members of a caste, a non-native church planter is like an alien who preaches about a foreign God. This is one of the main challenges that a church planter of another caste faces. Because each of these castes and communities is distinctive, each of them will require separate ways of mission strategies, disciple-making process and church planting. Even after coming to the faith they rarely marry outside their caste. To reach them, a church planter must have a thorough knowledge of the caste or subcaste he is about to reach. In reality, a native church planter of the same village and community is best suited for this job! And Emmanuel TheoTech College and 16 of its branches are set up for this specific purpose.

THE SOLUTION: Project Emmanuel TheoTech College is our answer to specifically train and raise native leaders within castes, subcastes, tribes and subtribes. God enabled Rev. Dr. Abraham and Hope India Mission to establish a Central College (TheoTech) in Patna City that offers residential leadership training. Because this was limited to a few students, we expanded the project by adding 16 branches to it. This has created a decentralized leadership training facility across the far unreached rural communities of our mission.

Secondly, it is helping to raise and equip more native leaders to take up the task of reaching their-own communities and repeat that cycle.

THE FRUIT: The above picture was taken during the graduation ceremony of one of such centers in a remote village in Chhattisgarh state. More than 400 leaders are now being trained through this project in six North Indian states.

The Vision Center, located in a village near Patna (Bihar), was established in 2012 by Rev. Dr. E.A. Abraham, the founder of Hope India Mission, with the aim of providing training and resources for churches and believers in Bihar and North India. It has become a hub for Hope India Mission’s efforts to bring the Gospel to those who have not yet heard it.

The center serves as a Bible school (TheoTech College), local church, village school, orphanage, and more. The TheoTech College has trained over 550 Bible graduates, who have become dedicated evangelists in Bihar. Students from different states come to the institute to study for several months and complete their training, and the impact of their work is felt throughout the region.

The Vision Center’s success is a testament to the power of vision and leadership and a shining example of what can be achieved with faith and hard work. In this report, we will take a detailed look at the achievements and activities of the center.

TheoTech College: Combining IT Education and Theological Training for Aspiring Missionaries in North India

The Emmanuel TheoTech College is a unique and innovative institution located within the Vision Center in a village near Patna. Formerly known as the Emmanuel Leadership Training Center, the college provides IT education, modern life skills, and theological training to aspiring missionaries in North India. The college aims to equip and empower the next generation of Christian leaders to serve effectively in their communities and bring the Gospel to the unreached.

The college provides IT education and training to help students learn the latest technology and develop necessary skills for the modern world. The college also provides theological training, covering topics such as Bible study, evangelism, worship, and discipleship. In 2022, the theology department of the college was upgraded to a B.Th level with a 3-year mandatory course, providing students with a deeper understanding of theology and the knowledge and skills necessary to serve as effective leaders in their communities.

Barnabas Home and Esther Home: Providing a Safe and Loving Environment for Orphaned and Rescued Children

The Barnabas Home for boys and the Esther Home for girls were established to provide orphans, semi-orphans, and rescued children from North India with a safe and secure home, education, medical care, nutritious food, moral and spiritual education, and a family-like atmosphere. The homes offer high-quality education covering essential subjects and moral and spiritual values to help shape the children’s character. The children also receive medical care and nutritious food to ensure their well-being. The staff works tirelessly to provide individual attention to each child and help them reach their full potential.

Emmanuel Mission Public School at The Vision Center: Providing Quality Education and Advancing the Gospel in Bihar

Emmanuel Mission Public School is a Christian school situated within Vision Center that provides quality English education to poor children and collects minimal fees from others to support mission activities. The school was established in 2012 to provide a strategic way to reach the unreached and make the Gospel accessible in Bihar, a state known for its anti-Christian sentiments. The school has a dedicated team of trained Christian teachers who impart moral and spiritual education alongside a curriculum that focuses on English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Computer Science. The school provides a supportive environment for children to grow, learn and participate in extracurricular activities. Beyond education, the school serves as a platform for the mission to advance the Gospel, share the love of Christ, and reach the unreached in the area.

The Local Church in The Vision Center: A Place of Worship and Community for local Believers

The Vision Center also houses a local church that caters to the spiritual needs of the surrounding community. The church serves as a place of worship and community for the believers in North India, providing them with opportunities to come together to praise and worship God, learn from His word, and build relationships with one another. With a current congregation of around 80 members, the church is an important part of the Vision Center’s outreach efforts, offering support and encouragement to those who seek to follow Jesus in this region.

The Vision Center: A Hub for Seminars and Outdoor Conferences

In addition to its role as a church, the Vision Center is also utilized for indoor and outdoor conferences for the believers. These events provide a valuable opportunity for believers from different churches and regions to come together for a time of teaching, worship, and fellowship. The center’s facilities, including classrooms, meeting rooms, and outdoor spaces, provide a suitable environment for these gatherings, allowing participants to learn and grow in their faith. Through these events, the Vision Center helps to strengthen the church in North India and advance the gospel in the region.

The Freedom Center at Vision Center: Empowering Widows and Underprivileged Women

The Freedom Center at Vision Center is a lifeline for widows and underprivileged women who have fallen prey to false promises of financial gain by unscrupulous people. This center provides them with an opportunity to learn skills that can help them earn a livelihood on their own. The center offers training in stitching and tailoring, and once the women have mastered the skills, they are gifted with a free tailoring machine to start their own business.

This initiative has been a boon for many underprivileged women who have set up their shops in the comfort of their homes. The Freedom Center also offers adult literacy classes, which have further helped these women improve their reading and living standards to new heights.

Humanitarian Projects at The Vision Center: Providing Care and Support to Those in Need

The Vision Center is a center for humanitarian efforts of Hope India Mission, including free medical services, nutritious meals, and winter clothes and blankets distribution to the poor and needy in the surrounding villages. The disaster relief programs offer immediate aid to those affected by disasters, such as food, water, medical assistance, and shelter. These efforts demonstrate the Mission’s commitment to serving the people of North India and showing the love of Christ in practical ways.

Workshops and Mega Events at The Vision Center

The Vision Center of Hope India Mission serves as a training center for Christian workers and a venue for events and workshops. It hosts the Annual Conference of Hope India Mission, a three-day event where Christian believers and their families from nine different states in India gather to pray, sing, and learn from each other. The conference is also an opportunity for matchmaking, which highlights the importance of building strong Christian families and communities. The Vision Center’s programs and events are crucial to Hope India Mission’s efforts to promote the Gospel of Christ in North India and provide a platform for education, training, and resources for churches and individuals to grow and share their faith.

A Beacon of Hope: The Vision Center at the Heart of Hope India Mission’s Efforts to Advance the Gospel in North India

In conclusion, the Vision Center is a crucial component of Hope India Mission’s efforts to reach the unreached and promote the Gospel of Christ in North India. The center provides education, training, and resources to churches and believers, and provides a safe and loving environment for children in need. The Mission’s focus on providing both theological training and secular education helps the aspiring missionaries to serve as “tent making ministers” who can support themselves while ministering. The Vision Center project is a testament to the Mission’s commitment to spreading the word of God and helping the people of North India.

Hope in Action, Transforming One Life at a Time

Saraswathi Devi and Bablu, a couple from Bihar, had been living a relatively happy married life despite their challenging circumstances. They were poor, landless, and homeless, residing in a tiny rented house. To escape poverty and provide their small children with a better future and education, they made the difficult decision to migrate to Patna City, the capital of Bihar.

Upon their arrival in Patna, Bablu found work as a cycle rickshaw driver, which proved to be a reliable source of income for supporting their family. It seemed like their dreams of a more prosperous life were within reach. However, tragedy struck when Bablu’s cycle rickshaw collided with a truck, resulting in his untimely death.

Devastated by the loss of her husband, Saraswathi Devi suffered both mentally and physically. She became mentally unstable and neglected her two young children, often wandering the streets without returning home. Tragically, she disappeared in early 2011 and remains untraceable to this day.

During this challenging time, the only person who showed care and concern for the children was their landlord, Mr. Birendra Kumar Singh. Although he nurtured them, he had limited information about their family, origin, relatives, or neighbors. His wife was less receptive to the idea of keeping the children in their own home, leading to inadequate care and nourishment for them.

Desperate to address the situation, Mr. Birendra Kumar Singh was approached by a couple who expressed a desire to adopt the toddler. However, they favored adopting a baby boy, a common preference in many parts of India due to cultural biases that place higher value on male children. This discriminatory practice has contributed to high rates of female feticide and infanticide in the country.

However, the Lord had different plans for Priyanka, the older girl, who was three years old at the time. It was through one of Hope India Mission’s believers that Priyanka’s story reached Rev. E. A. Abraham. Following the necessary legal procedures, Priyanka was welcomed into Esther Home on March 31, 2014, becoming its youngest member.

Hope India Mission’s child sponsorship program plays a vital role in providing urgent care and support to impoverished children across North India. This program extends assistance to orphaned and semi-orphaned children who lack access to education, proper nutrition, medical care, and knowledge of Jesus. These children are identified through the outreach efforts of missionaries and volunteers from various regions.

Many of these vulnerable children receive support from compassionate sponsors. The sponsorship not only provided Priyanka with essential resources but also enabled her to thrive for eight years in our orphanage, where she received a values-based education. She actively participates in the activities of the local church and continues to grow in her faith and understanding of the Lord.

Through the generosity of mission organizations like ‘Forgotten Children,’ countless orphans and semi-orphans have found shelter and support, ultimately transforming their lives. Some of our children have graduated and are now employed, while others are pursuing undergraduate studies. These partnerships with sponsors and mission organizations have made a significant impact on the lives of these children and families who would otherwise face immense challenges in leading a quality life and attaining higher education. Hope India Mission remains committed to rescuing, sheltering, and transforming the lives of these precious individuals.

Celebrating 40 Years of Hope and Transformation

The “Streams of Grace” 2nd edition souvenir, a commemorative publication on the occasion of Hope India Mission’s 40th anniversary, is a testament to four decades of unwavering dedication, transformative impact, and boundless hope. This beautifully crafted collection encapsulates the remarkable journey, touching stories, and countless lives that have been transformed through the mission’s work. Within its pages, you’ll discover narratives of resilience, faith, and the enduring power of love and compassion. Join us in celebrating this milestone by exploring the rich tapestry of our history, the lives we’ve touched, and the hope we continue to foster. Download your copy now to be a part of this inspiring legacy.

The call to be a servent of God

Because Abraham’s poor parents could not afford to support his higher education, one of his relatives invited him to Bangalore. He boarded the train intending to obtain a bachelor’s degree there. But nothing went as planned. Instead, he fell into a state of severe depression that forced him to attempt to end his life by lying in front of a moving train.

However, a mysterious voice drove his attention to read from the Bible while he was composing a suicide note. As he obeyed the voice, Ecclesiastes chapter 7 verses 16-18 fell open before his eyes, which stated, “Why destroy yourself and why die before your time? Don’t be a fool. It is good to grasp and not to remove your hands. One who fears God will avoid all extremes.” This incredible divine intervention encouraged Abraham to pray, cry, and repent for his utter stupidity.

Later, he was able to attain a job in the Bangalore Postal Department. And then after six months, in a vision, the Lord spoke to him again and commissioned him for the Lord’s work. Abraham did not want to be an evangelist, but the Lord gave him the strength to obey His command through another vision.

Great move from Bangalore to Bihar

Young Abraham informed his Pastor about the vision and burden, and he directed him to the Bangalore office of Operation Mobilization, where he became a member of the team OM. There the Lord trained and used Abraham in numerous ways, and he was given more opportunities to study God’s Word systematically. Before the Lord commissioned him to preach in North India, Abraham also had the opportunity to work with FMPB (Friends Missionary Prayer Band).

Abraham arrived in Bihar as a young bachelor without researching any facts about this State, but with a vision from the Lord for the unreached.

Ten years of waiting and burden to harvest the first fruit

Abraham traveled for three days and 1650 miles by train to the far edge of North India. He was subjected to several hardships and trials when he first arrived in the small Bihar town (Siwan) in 1984, all the way from Bangalore. When he arrived in Bihar, Abraham was still in his twenties. For him, the new place was challenging. Their clothing, language, and eating habits were completely foreign to him, and their living spaces were filthy. Bicycles and rickshaws had a major road presence. Garbage covered the streets, while cows and piglets roamed freely, feasting on garbage piles, and causing traffic congestion. Harming a cow, which was regarded as ‘sacred,’ would result in swift punishment according to local Hindu norms. The streets were congested with pedestrians and people riding bicycle-pulled rickshaws, which had become Bihar’s icon. The number of vehicles available for transportation was quite restricted. The primary means of transportation were carts drawn by ponies and oxen. He saw the faces of malnourished people everywhere he looked. But wherever he tried to share the Gospel he was treated spitefully.

Abraham began his outreach by distributing Gospel booklets in and around Mairwa, a village near the Siwan area. He traveled everywhere on foot. Bihar is known for its caste hierarchy, and Christians are still considered to be among the lowest. As a result, people looked down on Abraham and treated him with disrespect. Abraham was repeatedly denied drinking water because being a Christian, he was considered a lower caste in their eyes, and once had to escape for his life after requesting a glass of water. Throughout his ministry in North India, he was subjected to humiliation and death traps. Pages are insufficient to contain all his painful experiences. However, many of those who came to attack him later accepted the Lord in thier lives.

Devdas, a Good Samaritan, joined Abraham and followed him on his mission visits to the remote communities. Abraham gathered his followers in small huts, with only a kerosene lamp as a source of light. He would spend the nights in smelly barns where animals and buffalos were kept. The nights appeared longer for him because electricity was unknown and unheard of, but he never felt lonely because one million mosquitoes kept him company all night!

Such was the opposition that Abraham even considered quitting the ministry many times but continued in obedience to His call as the Lord finally opened doors for him. All of this, however, came at a cost. He sweated for ten years merely to see the first fruit as three souls were added to the church. Ever since missionaries landed in Bihar, it was notoriously referred to as the ‘Graveyard of Missions’. Winning three souls in ten years in Bihar was the equivalent of winning three thousand souls in another state. Several missionaries, both foreign and native, worked for years without yielding any results. This is how difficult evangelism was in this part of the world in the 1970s and 1980s.

Education as a tool to share the love of Christ

In India, there has long been a close relationship between educational institutions and the church. Schools can support indirect evangelism, as it allows people to communicate Christ’s love while also serving the children and community around them. Bihar has consistently ranked as one of the poorest Indian states, with the lowest literacy rates. Bihar’s literacy rate is significantly lower than the national average. Taking all these factors into account, Abraham started the first-ever English Medium School in Siwan, where the ministry’s head office was located. This institution drew a lot of interest from individuals of all faiths in the area, including rivals of the Gospel. And this school proved to be the most effective way for him to make relationships and continue with his ministry. The school provided resources, staff, space, contacts, vehicles, and much other support to the church planting ministry. It was through this school that Hope India Mission’s Central Churches (Emmanuel Fellowship Churches) and hundreds of House Churches were grown out. As a result, thousands of people in Siwan heard the Gospel and accepted Jesus into their lives. A town that was formerly known for all kinds of crimes and trouble became a hub of learning, community transformation, and Gospel sharing. And this led to the establishment of six more schools giving a further boost to the ministry.

Present ministry & Gratefulness

In 2011, Abraham moved from Siwan to Patna, the capital city of the State of Bihar which helped to expand the ministry from Bihar to more States like West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madya Pradesh, Odisha, and Ladak. Today, more than 450 full-time staff are engaged in various departments of the ministry with 98 Central Churches, 200+ pastors, hundreds of House Churches, two orphanages, five mission schools, one Bible College with 17 branches in four states, etc. Through every difficulty and adversity, the one who chose him has been his guide, guardian, and faithful to each of His promises.