Thank You for an Unforgettable Beacon for India Event

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we can’t help but feel incredibly thankful for all of you. Our recent Beacon for India event was an amazing reminder of how much support we have in this mission to bring hope to South Asia. From family and friends reconnecting to new faces joining the journey, it was a night that felt like a true family gathering.

An Evening of Fun, Fellowship, and Faith

We had nearly 150 people come out to support REAP India at our very first annual event in Knoxville! It felt more like a reunion, with so many familiar faces from Berean Bible and folks connected through our founder, John Stone. From a cornhole tournament to fun rounds of REAP trivia, a lip-sing off with 3 youth, and a scavenger hunt that had adults racing around, the evening was filled with laughter, joy, and friendly competition.

Stories of Impact and a Challenge to Join the Mission

Throughout the night, we had some incredible speakers who shared how your support fuels real change:

Pete Stone, John’s son, brought a heartfelt challenge to everyone, encouraging us all to be part of God’s mission in India. Drawing from his military experience, he shared insights on why this work matters deeply.

Our President, Sam Rajkumar, took us through some of the history and vision of our ministry in India, showing us how our efforts are making a lasting difference.

Tom Moore shared about his experience teaching theological classes to Indian pastors, and how the training helps them spread hope in their communities.

Our wonderful emcee, Stephanie, highlighted how every single donation impacts the lives of pastors, children, and communities across South Asia. She spoke about our Goatway Project, which helps pastors start small businesses, and how the funds from this event help sponsor children in our Springbud program, giving them a home, food, and education.

The Power of Every Gift, Big or Small

Whether you were able to give a little or a lot, your generosity means the world to us. Every donation from the event goes directly toward:

• Church Planter Sponsorships – $400 a month trains and supports a pastor in the field.

• The Goatway Project – $3,600 helps a seasoned pastor start a sustainable business by providing a goat herd to support their community.

• Springbud Sponsorships – $150 a month changes a child’s life by covering their housing, food, and schooling.

• Even smaller donations add up to make a huge impact—three people giving $50 a month can fund one Springbud child, and four people giving $100 can support a church planter. 

When we all come together, amazing things happen!

Thank You for Being Part of This Mission

We’re already looking forward to more events like this and to growing our REAP family even more. Your generosity, encouragement, and excitement have filled our hearts. Thank you for coming out, for believing in this mission, and for making a difference.

Here’s to even more lives changed together. Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

The Growing Harvest of Church Planting

Please note: Specific locations and names have been removed for the safety and protection of our team in India. 

Fifteen years ago, our team visited a quiet, remote village in India—a place where few would expect a thriving church community to take root. At that time it was home to a small clinic and there was no permanent church meeting space. On our recent trip, we were deeply moved to witness the transformation. It is now a vibrant community with a growing church, and the development of the area mirrors the spiritual growth that has taken place. Worshiping there was a joyful reminder of how God has worked through our church planting efforts.

During our visit, we spent time with the pastor and his family who have faithfully shepherded this community for years. It was such a blessing to once again join the members of this church for Sunday worship. The unity and passion of these believers are a living testament to what God can accomplish when we remain committed to His mission.

Church Planting: A Vision for Discipling Nations

This is just one example of our broader church planting efforts across South Asia. Our vision is bold and clear: to see one church for every 10,000 people in this region. This is more than just a goal—it’s a commandment to "disciple the nations through churches." As part of this mission, our 100 Church Plants Initiative has become a benchmark for us, fueling our dedication to build and multiply healthy, reproducing churches.

We believe that strategic partnerships and mobilizing passionate leaders are key to making this vision a reality. Every donation to this cause helps train and support church planters, mobilizing them for the work God has called them to do.

The Church Planting Process

1. Surveying and Selecting Leaders
Every church plant begins with prayerful consideration of the location. We start by surveying areas in need of a church presence and then identifying key local leaders from those provinces who are committed to our vision of church multiplication. These leaders are vital to the process as they know the community and have the heart to shepherd their people.

2. Recruiting and Training
The selected leaders go through an intensive vetting process. They are invited to nominate candidates who have shown potential for church planting. These candidates undergo initial training and are sent out for a six-month trial period to determine if they are a good fit for our methods. Only those who remain faithful and diligent during this time are selected for the full three-year program. During these three years, they receive not only training but also financial support, supervision, and mentoring.

3. Planting Churches and Making Disciples
The goal is not just to plant churches but to plant reproducing churches—ones that disciple new believers and raise up new leaders. Each church planter is equipped to establish sustainable and reproducible churches that will continue to grow long after the initial church plant. We believe that by focusing on making disciples, these churches will carry a lasting and far-reaching impact.

A Movement of Multiplication

Our mission is simple but powerful: to plant churches that will plant more churches. Our hope is that each church planter will be fully equipped to continue planting churches throughout their region after completing the program. We’re not interested in simply relocating existing believers—we want to see the gospel take root in new hearts and minds, creating a movement of disciples and churches that will multiply across India and beyond.

From a humble beginning to a flourishing church, we have seen firsthand what happens when God’s people are faithful to His calling. As we press on with our mission, we look forward to seeing countless more communities transformed by the power of the gospel.

Join Us in This Mission

The journey of church planting is far from over. There are still countless villages and communities waiting to hear the Good News, waiting for the light of Christ to reach them. Your support helps us continue this mission. Together, we can see the vision of one church for every 10,000 people become a reality across all of South Asia. Let’s continue to disciple the nations, one church at a time.

Springbuds Fun: Vacation Bible School

As our board’s journey through India continued during their trip this past summer, one of the most heartwarming stops was at one of our Springbuds homes. These homes, a crucial part of our ministry, provide temporary care for children who have been neglected, abandoned, or whose parents are unable to care for them. Thanks to your generous support, these children are not only surviving—they are thriving in a loving, nurturing environment.

The Springbuds Mission: A Safe Haven for the Vulnerable

Our Springbuds program consists of two homes: one for elementary school-aged children, starting as young as four years old, and another for middle and high school-aged kids. These homes serve as a refuge for children in need, offering them a place to live, nutritious food, access to quality education, and spiritual development. Whether the children stay for a few months or a few years, our goal is to ensure that they experience the love of Christ and grow into healthy, joyful individuals.

Playtime and Fellowship

During our visit, the Springbuds children were on a break similar to our winter Christmas break, which gave us a lot of time to spend with them. The day was filled with laughter and joy as we played with balloon animals, balls, and bubbles. Fresh pineapple and jackfruit snacks were a hit. There’s something special about seeing these children, who have faced so much adversity, simply being kids—running, laughing, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

Building for the Future

One of the significant developments we got the chance to see was the ongoing construction of new staff quarters. These quarters are being built on top of the existing dining hall and fellowship area, and everyone is really excited about getting these completed. Living conditions for staff are challenging, and these new quarters will not only improve their quality of life but also help retain the dedicated teachers and staff who are so vital to the success of the Springbuds program. Seeing the progress firsthand was a reminder of how your support is making a tangible difference in this community.

Letters from Donors

Another amazing moment was getting to distribute letters from our donors to each Springbud child. The excitement on their faces as they opened and read the letters was unforgettable. Many of the children took the time to write back to their donor families, a small gesture that reflects the deep connections being formed across continents. These letters are more than just words on paper—they are lifelines of hope and encouragement for these kids. 

Vacation Bible School

Our trip also coincided with preparations for a Vacation Bible School (VBS) event that the Springbuds staff was organizing for the village children. We got to jump in and help and it was inspiring to see the resourcefulness and dedication of the home manager and staff. The children were eager and excited to welcome their peers from the village, ready to share the love and message of Jesus with them.

On the final day of our visit, we helped welcome the village children to the much-anticipated VBS event before departing for our next destination. The joy and excitement of the children—both from the Springbuds home and the village—were contagious. It was a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do, and how important it is to continue nurturing these young lives with the love of Christ.

Our time at Springbuds was a powerful testament to the impact of your prayers and support. These children are not just surviving—they are thriving, learning, and most importantly, they are filled with joy. There truly is no place quite like this, and we are grateful for your partnership in making it a sanctuary of hope and love for these precious children.

If you’d like to start supporting the Springbuds, click here.

Board Trip Recap: An Amazing Time of Fellowship and Development

Last month, our board at REAP India embarked on a trip across India to witness firsthand the incredible progress happening through your support. We explored how God is moving in powerful ways through the communities we partner with. We wanted to take a moment to share our experiences with you, our incredible donors, as we reflect on the journey.

Landing in India

We landed in India early in the morning on day one despite the delays caused by the global Microsoft/Crowdstrike issue. After a brief adjustment period, we spent the day exploring a vibrant local market near our hotel. From sipping fresh coconut water from a street vendor to enjoying rickshaw rides, it was really cool to be immersed in the local culture. We ended the day with our Director and Founder, Sam, and Jay, along with their family. It was so good to spend time with them.

Worship and Fellowship in K.

One of the most moving parts of our trip was returning to K (abb.). Fifteen years ago, when we first visited, it was a small village with a fledgling church and a clinic. Today, K has grown into a thriving community. We had the privilege of worshipping alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ there, and the growth and spiritual maturity of the congregation were evident. We also spent time visiting with the pastor of this church plant in his home, reflecting on how God’s faithfulness has sustained and strengthened this community.

Seeing Progress at the BBCM Office

Our next stop was the BBCM offices, where we toured their impressive construction site. It was inspiring to see years of planning and fundraising taking shape into what will soon be an incredible space for ministry. The energy and excitement among the team was contagious, and we were encouraged by what is up ahead for the organization. The day concluded with another meal at Sam, Diana, and Jay’s home, sharing stories and celebrating what God is doing.

Journeying to Springbuds

The next phase of our trip took us from the BBCM headquarters to J (abb), with vans transporting us from the airport to the village our Springbud school is located in. Though the travel day was largely uneventful, one of our vans got stuck in the mud, adding some unexpected adventure to our journey! Thankfully, with teamwork and a little help, we were back on our way. The warm welcome we received upon arrival in S (abb), along with a delicious meal, made the journey worthwhile. It was amazing to see everything happening at this Springbuds home and we had so much fun taking part in their VBS. Stay tuned for next month’s blog where we’ll share more about this event. 

Exploring the Taj Mahal

Our visit to the Taj Mahal capped off the trip with a stunning reminder of the beauty that can be created through perseverance. Despite a day filled with travel mishaps, seeing this iconic monument was more than worth the effort. It was a fitting conclusion to our journey—reminding us that, much like the work of REAP India, anything worth achieving requires faith, patience, and persistence.

This trip was an opportunity not just to witness the physical growth of communities, but to connect with the people behind the progress. From worshipping in Kandili to seeing construction projects come to life, we were continually reminded that your prayers and support are the backbone of this work. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to plant churches, serve communities, and see lives transformed across India.

Stay tuned for more updates coming from our trip including our work with the Springbuds and more church planting efforts!

O Church Planting and Springbuds Updates

At REAP India, our mission is clear: we train local believers to plant and reproduce discipleship-driven, community-impacting churches. Our heart is to spread the Gospel throughout India, reaching communities and transforming lives. Our latest updates reflect that mission. Keep reading to learn more about what’s been happening on the ground in India and ways you can pray for our team.  

Church Planting Updates from the O Region

AK's New Contact

One of our faithful church planters, Ak (abb), has recently made a new contact, SD. These personal connections are the way the Gospel spreads and the Kingdom is built!

Please join us in praying for SD and her family, that they may receive Jesus as their personal Savior. 

Prayers for AK

Unfortunately, Ak was involved in an accident last week during his morning walk, resulting in a fractured right leg. We’re praying for his swift and complete recovery. Despite this setback, Ak' is still completely committed to serving the people in O. We’re grateful for his faithfulness!

Outreach to Shepherds

Our team also had the opportunity to meet and share the Gospel with a couple of local shepherds. Pray that they continue to show interest in seeking to know Jesus and that they will continue to engage with our church planters. 

Springbuds Updates

Springbuds | Primary School

Our primary school Springbuds are continuing their regular classes and enjoying them. Temperatures are rising though making getting outside tough. We’re praying for cooler weather to provide some relief for the children and staff. As always, thank you for your support that ensures our students receive a quality education in a nurturing environment.

Springbuds | Secondary School

In our secdonary school, our Springbuds program has provided new bags and shoes for the students as they begin a new academic year. We’re excited to see what the next year holds for our older students. We have so many who are working hard to create a brighter future ahead for themselves. Please keep them in your prayers, especially for good health and staying sickness-free. 

Excited for What’s Ahead in Odisha and With the Springbuds

The work we do at REAP is made possible by your generous support and prayers. Each story and update from our team in India reflects the collective effort and dedication of our community of believers. As we continue to plant and nurture discipleship-driven, community-impacting churches, we invite you to explore more ways you can join in on our work. Together, we are making a lasting impact across India with the Gospel.