In February 1988 a ragged band of very young, zealous, and inexperienced young disciples from London officially started a congregation in Bangalore in South India. They were nicknamed “The Bangaloonies” due to their boundless energy and fire.
Over the next twelve months nearly 150 souls were won, many of whom are now leaders in the Indian movement. Mark, Mohan, and I were privileged to lead this inspiring group. All of us were under the age of 25 when the work started. We made many mistakes but the zeal level was high. God blessed our efforts in spite of intense persecution, death threats, attempted kidnappings, police interrogations, and betrayals.
Today the Bangalore church is the largest congregation of the International Churches of Christ in South Asia. It has sprung numerous other churches, including the Chennai church. It was so encouraging to be part of the 25th anniversary celebrations this past weekend.
Mark and I were so inspired and encouraged to meet with the HOPE staff. The HOPE work in Bangalore has numerous programs, including schools, vocational training centers, a home for street boys, women’s empowerment programs, etc.
We also met the church staff, the teens and campus groups, the singles, the married couples and families. We fellowshipped with several couples who have been such an inspiration to us over the years. So many have endured persecution, given up worldly dreams, risked their life, all for the sake of the Gospel.
We are now seeing the children of the early converts become Christians. 25 years ago we shared the Gospel with teenagers and young people who are now the parents of today’s teenagers and campus students. It is an amazing privilege to still be in India after all these years and share in the rebirth of the children of our friends.
When we came to India 25 years ago we did not know much but we had a dream and a burning passion in our hearts. Today it is a joy to see that dream fulfilled in the lives of so many wonderful brothers and sisters.
