Author: Elizabeth Mullins

In a world shaped by many religions, sharing God’s heart for all people remains essential. See how the following two GCI congregations are living and sharing the gospel in Nepal and India, countries where Hinduism is the majority religion.

Tellok, Nepal

GCI in the Mountains.

At an elevation of about 2000 meters (about 6500 feet), in the Himalayan mountain range of eastern Nepal bordering India and China, GCI has a footprint in a village called Tellok. Along with its surrounding villages, it would have a population of about 5000 people. Access to it is only through dirt, mountain roads by a 4-wheel drive jeep.

Roshan Nepali facilitates a fellowship of about 50 people, with a potential for growth in and around the village. He and his family run a small school on their ancestral land. They supplement their income by rearing goats and chickens and growing some food on their land.

I had the privilege of visiting Roshan and speaking to their congregation in April (pictured above). With a population of 29 million (majority of them being Hindu), Christians make up less than 2%. Still, they continue to shine the light of Jesus!

By Dan Zachariah, Superintendent of Asia
Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Bachupally, India

GCI Hyderabad continues its monthly outreach through Bible study sessions in Bachupally, located about 30 kilometers from the Hyderabad congregation. Around 12 regular participants attend these gatherings, showing enthusiasm for both fellowship and learning.

The current study focuses on the Lord’s Prayer, encouraging deeper reflection and spiritual growth. These sessions provide meaningful opportunities for discussion, learning, and connection.

In addition to teaching, pastoral care and encouragement are offered, reflecting the church’s commitment to nurturing its members spiritually and personally. We hope it will lead to a church plant here. Please join our prayers.

By Praveen Chintha, Pastor
Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24 NIV

Healing words. Not complicated sermons. Not grand gestures. Just gracious words.

Recently I learned this simple idea called the “Tell Them Theory.”

If a waiter was kind to you, tell them.
If your friend looked good today, tell them.
If someone’s work inspired you, tell them.

It’s such a small idea — yet how rarely do we practice it. We often notice good things in people, but the words stay locked inside our thoughts. Criticism travels quickly. Encouragement moves slowly.

I think of the cashier who has been standing all day. The tired waiter serving meals. The volunteer who wonders if anyone noticed. The friend who quietly struggles but still shows up with a smile. A few words of appreciation can become a light in someone’s ordinary day.

When I think about Jesus, I realize he lived this theory fully. He noticed people others ignored. He told the Roman centurion, “I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” He affirmed the woman who poured perfume on his feet. He looked at his disciples and said, “You are the light of the world.”

Jesus saw goodness, faith, and love in people, and he said it out loud.

Perhaps this is one small way we can reflect God’s heart each day. When we see kindness, speak it. When we notice effort, affirm it.

A few words may seem small to us. But to someone else, they may be exactly what their heart needed.

Prayer
Lord, open my eyes to the quiet kindness around me. Give me courage to speak words that heal and uplift. May my words reflect Your grace today. Amen.

By Bermie Dizon, Elder
Glendora, CA, US

Citizens of God’s kingdom strive to minister faithfully to all age groups. To do so, we often separate members into groups based on age (older adults, middle adults, young adults, teens, children). While this approach is sometimes helpful, we must keep in mind the importance of providing ministry that is intergenerational. By “intergenerational,” we mean two or more age groups growing and living in faith together.

See the Church Hack below for helpful ideas to engage across generations. And for further reading, see this article by Ted Johnson.