Our team of four just returned from a wonderful ministry trip to the Andaman Islands. We feel truly honored to work alongside Raja and Sheeba, who lead the only ministry of its kind on the Islands.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are part of India, yet they lie 1,000 miles away in the middle of the ocean. These islands are a forgotten land and people—out of sight and, to a large extent, out of mind to their own nation, the world, and even the church. Missionaries have attempted to reach the islands but often leave within one to two years. It’s challenging to do ministry there, with very limited economic, educational, and healthcare opportunities.
The good news of God’s love has not yet spread to the more than 1 million people living on these islands. However, there is light breaking through the darkness, and God is honoring the faithfulness of Raja and Sheeba.
Here is a brief recap of our ministry trip, which beautifully reflects the work our partners lead:
Love Children’s Home
There are 75 orphans living on campus and an additional 19 who are still cared for while in higher education. We had a wonderful time of worship, prayer, connection, and leading a VBS for the kids. These children are full of life, love Jesus, and have found a new family at LCH. Currently, the campus is expanding to include a new girls' dormitory, as they are at capacity. They are also trusting God and making plans to build a new dining hall so that all the children can eat together at nice tables. Traditionally, people ate while sitting on the ground, but this practice is gradually disappearing.
Jeevan Jovi Bible College
Now in its third year, JJ College is training leaders to plant churches across all inhabited islands. During our visit, we taught 10 lessons on planting churches in underserved, under-resourced, and unreached areas. This is the only Christian movement on the islands, and we are strategically positioned to help spread the gospel among people who lack access to a local church and discipleship. Many of you, both individuals and churches, have contributed to the monthly support needed to send out these church planters. You are part of the revival that is taking place in the islands!
Bethesda Church
Raja is the lead pastor of a thriving church in Port Blair, the main city. This is one of the few churches on the islands. The church is preparing to expand with new facilities for children and youth, with construction expected to be completed by January 2025. Currently, the church is at capacity and will plan to hold two services once the expansion is complete. The Bible college meets at the church; girls are housed on the property, and boys stay in nearby apartments. When we arrived, the church was 70 days into a 100-day prayer initiative. They hold prayer services every morning and evening, which are broadcast online with 700-800 people watching each service. This has become an evangelistic tool, as one church plant reported 40 new visitors on Sunday after watching the YouTube broadcast. The church has been praying for people’s needs, witnessing miracles, and specifically praying for revival across the islands. We celebrate with them as God moves in powerful ways!
Bible College Land
Over a year ago, we made a down payment to JJ College for land where they dream of building a school and dormitories. Since then, no additional funds have come in, so Raja and the students have continued to operate the school at the church, trusting in God’s timing and provision for this project. We believe that raising up local church planters from the islands is a God-inspired mission. So we continue to press on and trust Him.
Not only is the ministry that Raja and Sheeba lead the only ministry dedicated to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, but their sole ministry partner and investor is Going Global Inc. We thank each and every one of you who invests in this work. "If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday." (Isaiah 58:10).
Light is rising out of the darkness!
Blessings,
Bob Gustafson
Testimony from Keith and Becky Schommer
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
—John 10:10
It’s no secret to any of us that the enemy has a plan for our lives, and it doesn’t usually seem all that difficult to discern when he’s getting a bit of an edge. We plan, we hope, we pray; and yet we always seem to be taking the long way to our destination…foiled once more by the tactics of the enemy. Something we’ve been asking ourselves, however, since returning from the Andaman Islands is, “What if the long way is God’s intended route?” What if the only way to gain the faith and courage required to accomplish His call comes by the lessons and encounters He has for us on the longer road?
A trip to the Andaman Islands had been on our radar for YEARS. We often only got to the “talking about it” stages of planning, though we did have dates and plans at one point that ended up (you guessed it) foiled. Last month, however, we finally had the opportunity to go; and we are so grateful for the way God expanded our understanding of the full life Jesus talks about in John 10:10. You see, Raja and Sheeba…they understand the long road. They know what it is to pray, hope, and plan only to wait a bit longer to see God bring to pass those things for which they have been seeking Him. For eight days we got to experience the fruit of this long journey, a ministry with multiple expressions that have each come in the waiting. (We sure laughed a lot too.) We look now to our own lives and our own journeys and are giving thanks for the abundance He has blessed us with in His kingdom work.
The Going Global Podcast
The latest episode of the podcast features a conversation with Raja and Bob. We hope you’re inspired, encouraged, and learn about the incredible work that many of you have supported over the years.
Food For Thought
“Let them give glory to the Lord and proclaim his praise in the islands.”
—Isaiah 42:12
Just a few verses earlier the scripture says, “the former things have taken place, and new things I declare.” That is a word for you, me, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. God is doing a new thing, Let’s give him praise!
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:
Pray for your pastor and family.
Pray for the election, our country, and our political leaders.
Pray for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands ministries.
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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