Andaman Islands Church Planting
In 2005, Dennis Nonnemacher, founder of Going Global Inc, and Raja Wilson, our partner in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, traveled fourteen hours by bus to hold our first pastor’s conference in Diglipur, a town in the North Andaman Island. Fourteen hours in a packed in a bus is not for the faint of heart! It was at this conference that God planted a seed inside this ministry, that Raja was going to start a Bible School to train the next generation of ministry leaders to plant churches in all the inhabited Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Jeevan Jyothi College of Theology (Life and Light) was established in 2021, and birthed out of a need for healthy, passionate, theologically equipped, and indigenous church leaders trained to pastor where there are no churches. The school launched with 12 students, this year the school has 22 students, and next year expect to be over 40 students. The first church planters from the school will go into their villages this year. They know the people, language, and already have acceptance in their community. We believe this is a God idea.
The school started in rented space and apartments, but there has been opposition to training ministry leaders. This is forcing them out of the rented space. Raja and Sheeba have secured a great piece of land, which we were able to help provide the downpayment of $10K, with an agreement that gives 9 months to provide the final payment. From the beginning of Going Global Inc, we have been committed to come alongside indigenous leaders who have a heart for their nation and community to help them accomplish the dreams God has placed on their heart. We are happy to help Raja and Sheeba as they set out to see people meet Jesus and to see life-giving churches established throughout the Islands.
If you are interested in giving toward the efforts in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, simply make a note in your donation, and as always 100% will go directly to the mission field. We are grateful for you, thanks for the encouragement, prayer, and generosity.
Blessings,
Bob Gustafson
Durga Devi Bible College Student
Durga Devi grew up as an orphan. She was born in Little Andaman Island to a non-Christian family. Tragically, she saw her mother commit suicide, which led to mental trauma. Her father struggled with alcoholism, which would often lead to physical and emotional abuse to Durga and her sister. At a young age, Durga’s father died from brain cancer. This is when she was blessed to be raised at Love Children’s Home. In this loving community, Durga found the love of God and healing. She received Jesus as her savior and dedicated her life for His glory. God can take our greatest pain and use it for our greatest purpose.
Durga was a wonderful part of Love Children’s Home, thrived in school, and continued to sense a call to ministry. She is now studying at Jeevan Jyothi College of Theology (Life and Light).
Durga is Bengali, which is one of the leading populations in the Islands. Not a single work has been done to reach the Bengali people with the gospel and a life-giving church. Durga is the first local-born Bengali girl to give her life to reach her own people. She wants to make sure every Bengali in the Islands is reached by the good news of Jesus. Once finished at the Bible school, Durga will go back to her Island to work for God.
Bangladesh Update
We received an update from Sukhen that they completed a Youth Leader Training at their newly completed ministry center. These trainings are held throughout the year, with a focus on different areas of ministry like kids, youth, and evangelism. This year, hundreds of ministry leaders will be encouraged, built up, trained, and sent out.
Generation Bangladesh is a thriving ministry that specializes in training, evangelism, human trafficking rescue, orphans, and widows.
Bangladesh is a Muslim country, where they are often under persecution. It’s common to receive death threats and accusations. We ask that you take some time to pray for Sukhen, Generation Bangladesh, and Christians in this country.
Cuba Children’s Camps
Manuel and his team in Cuba have recently gone on a mission trip the Isle of Youth, where they will conduct children’s camps, distribute food, pray for the sick, and share the good news of Jesus Christ.
More than 20,000 children have received a relevant gospel message through this ministry. We are planning to visit Cuba very soon. We would appreciate your prayer as we begin to travel again this year.
Food For Thought
“Lord, even when Your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for You already have!” Psalm 23:4 PTB
At times the path may become tough. But fear not—the Good Shepherd is still in charge of the journey. He is our strength. He has been on the path before and knows the way out or through.
Prayer Requests
You can be an important part of our ministry by praying for us. Prayer is a weapon of warfare, and we covet your prayers. If you would like us to pray for you, e-mail your prayer requests to us. Please pray for the following:
We thank you, in advance, for praying for the following:
Your pastors and their families.
Healing for Eden Haas (Bob Gustafson’s pastor’s son).
For the 10 church planters that will be sent out in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands this year.
Ministry Goal
“And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him.” Luke 24:31
We founded Going Global Inc. in 2007 with this ministry goal. It is still our heart today. Thank you for praying and partnering with us. Together, we can do a lot!
Dennis & Robin Nonnemacher
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