Evangelism

Kangayam, India
(Church, Preaching School, Developing Congregations)

Introduction

This material describes the work of the church and preaching school in Kangayam, India. As an introduction, some information is presented about the climate of receptivity to the Gospel that exists now in India and the advantages of training men in India to accomplish that work.

Schertz Involvement

Schertz is one of the major supporters of the church, preaching school, and graduates, providing financial contributions (monthly and for special opportunities) as well as spiritual encouragement and edification though contact with the congregation there.

Why India

India presents a great opportunity because of the great population. The lost souls there are indeed "as numerous as locusts…" (Jud. 7:12). The population is already one billion; it is second only to China and growing faster than China. It represents four times the population of the U.S. in a land area about one-fourth the size.

One of the greatest challenges associated with India is the diversity of languages. To us, they are "…a people of strange language…" (Ps. 114:1). There are 25 states and 18 languages.

A potential advantage is that India is one of the most religious countries. The people have "…a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge" (Rom. 10:2). About 82% are Hindu (300,000 gods); only 2% claim to follow Jesus.

There is a good (yet realistic) response. Many who have been converted from their native religion to denominationalism are willing to listen and will now accept the truth.

Why Train Native Preachers

The people are indeed "…weary and scattered like sheep having no shepherd" (Matt. 9:36). Seventy-five percent live in rural areas in thousands of villages. How can we reach so many … in so many villages … speaking so many languages? History has shown that training native men is effective. It is certainly a Scriptural concept that we should commit God’s Word "…to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (II Tim. 2:2). By training men of India in India we train those who are already familiar with the language and culture and avoid the difficulties that sometimes occur when those trained in the U.S. do not want to return to their native lands. Also, it is very economical.

Kangayam, India:

The congregation in Kangayam was established in the 1980’s. It has grown in size to about 85-90 members. The men there are actively involved in the leadership of the congregation and have demonstrated noticeable spiritual growth in the past few years. The facilities were built in the 1990's and include the church building, facilities for the preaching school, and a "coaching center," which provides the opportunity to teach the Bible to those in the community. The men are sound in doctrine, aggressive in seeking ways to spread the gospel, and responsible to contribute sacrificially to the works they desire to undertake.

The preaching school provides three years of classroom instruction. This is followed by about 10 months of "field training" with prior graduates before the students are provided support to establish a congregation in a new location. The preaching school provides conscientious follow-up with the students, visiting their locations to admonish them and help them, and sponsoring gatherings for graduates to return to the school to learn from one another. Graduates from the classes of 1997, 1999, and 2001 have established congregations in a 60-mile radius around Kangayam. The 2003 graduates will finish their field training and begin their congregations about December 2003.

The one who preaches at the church and directs the school is S. Rajanayagam. Pictured above are Abel (son), Raja and his wife Racheal, and Lavine (daughter). Raja has been preaching the gospel since the 1980's. His father was a faithful gospel preacher; his brother preaches part time. Raja has been directing the school since it was established in 1994. He has proven to be energetic, sound, and prudent in decisions about selecting and training men to preach. He has invested a great effort in strengthening churches and preachers in that part of India (using Bible Camps—like our lectureships, visiting other preachers, etc).

Within the past year, Charlie DiPalma and his wife Mary have moved to Kangayam. Charlie serves as an instructor in the preaching school and Mary helps teach the ladies and children (typically much neglected in India). Charlie is a graduate of and past instructor at the Southwest School of Bible Studies (Austin). He was a co-founder and long-time trustee of the World Video Bible School (near Austin), which has since the 1980's provided sound Biblical lessons on video tape (including material for a complete three-year preaching school). Charlie was the speaker for many hours of these video lessons. Charlie has made trips to a dozen different foreign nations to spread the gospel. He made eight trips to India prior to moving there in 2002.

If you are interested in learning more about this work, contact us at schertz@swbell.net.