The great commission of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ sends us out to proclaim the gospel to a lost world, many of whom will hate us for it, according to John 15:18–21.

“Certain countries have advantages that mark them as centers of education and influence. In the English-speaking nations and the Protestant nations of Europe it is comparatively easy to find access to the people, and there are many advantages for establishing institutions and carrying forward our work. In some other lands, such as India and China, the workers must go through a long course of education before the people can understand them, or they the people. And at every step there are great difficulties to be encountered in the work.”1

In Bangladesh and West Bengal we have interested souls in the message of reformation and we continue to study with them.

India, the world’s largest democratic country and the second most populous country which is housing 1.2 billion or more, has many dimensional diversities. On one hand, we have freedom to preach the gospel as this is constitutionally a secular country. On the other hand, we cannot preach the gospel openly as many of the states in India have a ban on conversion, which can overrule the Federal law.

Visitations to some places require much effort because of the diverse kind of landscapes and inaccessible locations with normal mode of transportation. Nevertheless, the Lord has been by our side so that we are able to do a lot of work for His cause. New groups, churches, missions, and fields have been established. Notably the church in Bangalore was established in the state of Karnataka.

In Andhrapradesh, another state in India with a population of over 70 million, an awakening is taking place. Here a team of about 15 pastors belonging to different denominations or individual ministries has asked for a prolonged seminar wherein we present studies on deeper subjects. God willing, there may come a great harvest in this state in the near future.

In the state of Jarkhant there are several souls from some local tribes interested in our message. At least four volunteer workers are laboring for these souls. Here, the Maoist activists (an insurgent group) hinder the work. The brethren, however, work hard to carry the torch of truth in this underdeveloped state.

In Manipur, where the majority of our people live, there was a prolonged strike for 69 days. People had been suffering for want of food and other vital commodities; for the strike blocked two main national highways which link Manipur with the mainland. This paralyzed the movement of vehicles and commodities. The resultant was that prices escalated and people found it hard to cope with the situation and the work also suffered in a great measure.

By the grace of God, a few monuments for the Lord were built during this quadrennium as well.

As mentioned, India is housing 1.2 billion people—which is almost twice the population of Africa—having several states with a population of more than many countries in the world.

We have very good reason to expand our work in this region as it is a heathen land and the birthplace and bosom of so many heathen religions of the world. Here is where we are to preach Christ.

“Among earth’s inhabitants, scattered in every land, there are those who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Like the stars of heaven, which appear only at night, these faithful ones will shine forth when darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people. In heathen Africa, in the Catholic lands of Europe and of South America, in China, in India, in the islands of the sea, and in all the dark corners of the earth, God has in reserve a firmament of chosen ones that will yet shine forth amidst the darkness, revealing clearly to an apostate world the transforming power of obedience to His law.”2

From the constant outbreak of religious violence against Christians in certain states and the natural calamities that occur around us in the form of earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, wars, rumors of wars, spiritual declension, moral decay, and easy-go filthy societies, all cause us to understand that the coming of our Lord is near—and it is much nearer than when we first believed.

Since Maldives is a Muslim country, it’s very difficult to work here as well. We have visited this country and found some interested people.

We have 4 members in Malaysia. Plans are underway to penetrate this country to seek for souls athirst for the gospel of Christ.

The believers in Myanmar are encouraged by our visits.

The mountainous Hindu nation of Nepal has its own sets of problems. Politically, it struggled to find its prime minister, and it is a difficult country again as the country has a complete ban on conversion. You cannot baptize one soul in this country. They have to be carried across the border for baptism. A group of believers still is encouraged in the Lord. There are two members in Oman.

Pakistan has suffered from terrorism and instability. Our believers are always at the verge of martyrdom for the sake of the gospel. It is a nation that hates and persecutes Christians.

The believers here are trying to acquire a plot for a church in Karachi, the business city—and to establish a school.

We do have 2 members in Saudi Arabia who have moved to this Arab nation. This is one of the hardest countries to do missionary work. Our people, however, try their best to find souls for Christ and also remain strong to the core.

There are interested souls in Singapore, and we keep on communicating with them. Soon there will be avenues opened for our work to be established.

Sri Lanka is a perpetually war-stricken country. The just-ended ethno-political conflict sees bomb blasts almost every day and military actions everywhere. However, the country was visited several times and the brethren and sisters encouraged. We held a camp meeting in December 2010. It’s our duty to pray for this troubled country and our believers there.

We do have some interested souls in Thailand.

There are four members in the nation of United Arab Emirates. There is a great potential to do a missionary venture in this country.

Overall, there is a real spirit of excitement, thankfulness, and unity among our people. God is knitting us together with His web of love, consolidating friendships and brotherhood that the work may go forward.

We are also praying and considering other regions of the world where we might be of help. We plan to continue and extend our services to God’s flock of missionary workers around the world. But friend, that’s where you come in. It is only because of your prayers and financial support that we are able to help many missionaries stay on their field of service and continue their vital work for the Lord. As we do, more and more people will have the experience of hearing the gospel for the first time, and letting the words of scripture “wash over them” in a life-transforming way.

Thank you for caring about those who haven’t heard, and for those who have dedicated their lives to bring the Good Tidings! May God be with us and bless and strengthen us all. AMEN.