top of page
Writer's pictureBob Gustafson

Andaman & Nicobar Islands Church Planting Movement

“And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” — Matthew 9:35-38 ESV


Several years ago, Raja was burdened in much the same way that Jesus was. Our partners in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands have so much compassion for the people they are called to serve. At Love Children’s Home, they love and care for 98 orphans with food, shelter, clothing, education, and the good news of Jesus Christ. They regularly serve 1,200 widows, providing basic needs and a new spiritual family.


Raja is also leading teams throughout the islands where thousands will gather to hear about Jesus Christ. It was on one of those outreaches where Raja felt the same compassion Jesus had in Matthew chapter nine — these people that are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Raja started a ministry school with the sole purpose of raising up workers for the harvest. They have a vision of planting 100 churches in the islands by 2030.


In 2023, because of your generosity, Going Global Inc. was able to help sponsor eleven pastors to go into their home village to plant a church. We trust God to be able to give each pastor $3,000 for a year of support to help them establish a church in their village. Some of you sponsored a pastor for one year, thank you very much, you’re making a great difference in the kingdom of God!


Ten more pastors have graduated from the ministry school this past month and are ready to be sent. This vision is huge, and we know God is the provider for each of these men and women that are being sent out to be pastors for the people they are called to.


Psalm 92:12-14 says, “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. This indigenous church planting movement is exactly what the islands need. This is the only indigenous ministry reaching the islands, which is part of India, but remotely located in the middle of the Andaman Sea. Missionaries from mainland India have made short 1-2 year missionary journeys, but the local church has yet to take root and permeate all the the inhabited islands.


Would you join us in praying for these church planters, for the harvest of people coming to know Jesus, and for provision to help these men and women accomplish their call?


Here are the locations where each pastor is preparing to plant a church:


  1. Ferrargunj — vision for church that is focused on reaching those addicted to drugs and alcohol.

  2. Rangat — church plant to reach the Range people group.

  3. North Andaman Islands — vision for a church reaching children and youth.

  4. South Andaman Islands — vision to plant a church for Hindi people.

  5. Little Andaman Island — planting a church to reach the Ranchi community.

  6. Ranchi Basti — vision for a church reaching children and youth.

  7. Middle Andaman — vision to start a new children’s home/orphanage.

  8. Karmatang — church reaching Burmese and vocational training for women.

  9. Middle Andaman — reaching people who haven’t heard the name of Jesus.

  10. Long Island — planting the first church in Long Island.


We are thankful for you. Together we are covering this ministry in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in prayer, encouragement, connections, and financial resources. If you or your church are interested in sponsoring a pastor for one year, you can simply note Andaman Church Planter in the memo of your giving.



 

Testimony from Nepal


I am pleased to introduce you to Roshni and Pena, who are sisters that have an incredible testimony. One year ago, these girls, along with their dad and mom accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.


Their dad was suffering from liver disease because he abused alcohol, their mom was disabled because of being hit by a fallen tree, and they had nowhere to live.


Paul’s team shared to gospel with the family, and they began trusting God for physical and financial miracles in their life. Today, their dad and mom are completely healed, and the church came around them to build a small house for them to call home.


Roshni and Pena are now leaders in one of the Bridge Schools that Paul leads. The school is focused on reaching children and youth with the love of God and meeting practical needs for the community and church.


I can firsthand tell you how talented, called to ministry, and how blessed this church is to have them serving.




Thank you,

Bob Gustafson


 

Andaman & Nicobar Island Ministry School Land Update

The ministry school in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is currently operating in rented classrooms and apartments for the students to live. This is challenging, because there is a lot of opposition to Christianity right now in India. The school has already had to move because of pressure from the community.


Raja and Sheeba have a vision to build a permanent ministry school facility. We were able help them with the downpayment for the land last year. We place this plan completely in God’s hand and timing. Would you join us in prayer?


 

Food For Thought

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” — Psalm 55:22


Even in the midst of trials, tests, and terrible situations, David was writing poetry and songs to God. In this lyric, David reminds us that whatever it is that concerns you, that we can take that and cast in on the Lord. Give your burdens to God, He will sustain you.


 

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 new church plants.

  • Pray for Nepal Bridge Schools.

  • Pray for our political leaders.

 

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

 

Give Online

Help reach orphans, widows, and pastors in remote areas of the world.




19 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Commentaires


bottom of page