One of the last directives of our Savior Jesus Christ is recorded in Mark 16:15: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Even though this was recorded years ago there are many parts of the world where the gospel still remains to be shared. India is one of those countries, and the challenges for God's word to penetrate to the unsaved are great. Less than 1% of the Indian population are true believers. The Hindu and Muslim religions, with well-developed teachings and traditions, remain deeply entrenched today.
With the advancement of modern technology and availability of television and the internet in rural areas, Hindu instruction on their beliefs are further instilled in their minds, which creates an even greater barrier for the true word of God and the message of salvation to be received. Strong encouragement is given to every Hindu to make pilgrimages to one of four holy sites in the country at various intervals, to demonstrate the faithfulness of their belief.
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The founder of the Rural Gospel and Medical Missions of India was a former Hindu and had a great burden to spread God's word in India. Next year will mark the 75th anniversary of the mission. Today ministers are still spreading the gospel to the lost. Do they pay a price? Absolutely! In recent visits with several of them, accounts were shared how their families rejected their presence once they received the good news of Jesus Christ.
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English Medium School - Khardi
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RGMMI also provides teaching through schools and vocational programs. God's word is shared each day through Bible stories, daily devotions and attendance at regular held services on the campus.
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Medical Clinic
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A medical outreach is another means to spreading God's word. India has an exceptionally dense population, with modern medical facilities in the urban areas. There are government medical programs in the rural areas, but not enough to reach everyone.
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Medical Staff
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RGMMI has a small hospital that can treat medical illnesses and orthopedic surgeries can be performed. Preventive health programs are conducted in rural villages, and a medical van makes weekly visits to clinics where scores come for help. The reading of God's word and invitations to come and hear the message of Jesus Christ are extended.
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 In some areas militant Hindus are determined that the truths of God's word will not be taught. This has lessened in the last few months, as the recent RGMMI Board members were able to conduct services in three rural churches for the first time in 20 years. However, the threat still exists. In interviews with ministers during our visit, incidents were shared how one was beaten with a shoe after being threatened to be burned. This does not deter their love for their Savior and desire to fulfill their calling.
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Results of Those Who Have Responded
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In the past six months a young boy came to the hospital with club feet. Over a period of many weeks the Ponseti method of treatment was administered and made great progress. This exposure to God's word has resulted in his mother responding to the gospel and giving up the worship of her Hindu gods.
 A young Hindu boy from a tribal village was brought to the boarding school to enroll in the Electrical training program of RGMMI. By living in a Christian environment and hearing the gospel, he now has a desire to follow the Lord and go back home and tell the story of Jesus to his family and friends.
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Your continued prayers for the work of RGMMI are very much appreciated. In a recent visit, the spiritual workers of RGMMI expressed a special thanks for the many prayers offered on their behalf. They display a strong passion for sharing the gospel message, which is so encouraging. If you feel directed to support the work of RGMMI in India, please contact:
John Lehman, Board President
606 N 13th Circle Dr
Sabetha, KS 66534
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The Rural Gospel and Medical Missions of India (RGMMI) is an outreach of the Apostolic Christian Church of America. 