A Season of Gratitude: Celebrating Thanksgiving With Our REAP Family

Reflecting on a Year of Blessings and Growth

As the seasons change, we find ourselves immersed in a season of profound gratitude. Thanksgiving is a time to pause and reflect on the abundance of blessings we've received, and this year, our hearts are overflowing with thankfulness.

Celebrating the Impact in India and Beyond

This year, we've witnessed incredible strides in our mission to spread the Gospel across South Asia. The launching of new church planters throughout South Asia marks a significant milestone in our journey. These brave men, fueled by faith and dedication, are now spreading the message of hope and love in communities that need it the most.

Gratitude for Our Faithful Donors

Our mission thrives on the unwavering support of our donors, especially those from the United States, who have shown remarkable commitment to our cause. Your generosity and prayers have been the backbone of our work, and we are immensely grateful for your partnership.

The Success of the Third Annual Picnic in the Grove

Our third annual Picnic in the Grove fundraising event was a massive success, raising an astounding $255,000. This achievement speaks volumes about the power of community and shared vision. These funds are instrumental in advancing our mission, and we are deeply thankful to everyone who participated and contributed.

The Stone Memorial Building Project: A New Chapter

The beginning of the Stone Memorial building project at our main campus in Bangalore, India, is a dream turning into reality. The project, focused on constructing a new dormitory for church planters and additional training facilities, is a testament to our growth and commitment to nurturing future leaders. This initiative is crucial in our endeavor to raise church-planting disciple-makers, and we're thankful for every contribution that has made this possible.

Celebrating Our Newest Graduates

We are also thrilled to celebrate our latest graduating class from the Academy for Church Planting & Leadership. These graduates, equipped with knowledge and a deepened faith, are ready to embark on their journeys as leaders and change-makers. 

Looking Forward with Hope

As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, we at REAP India are reminded of the incredible journey we've embarked on together. Each milestone we’ve come to this year is a shared victory—a ripple of change that is only possible from the collective effort of our community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for being part of this journey. Your support, prayers, and contributions have shaped the landscape of our mission, enabling us to reach further and impact more lives.

Let's continue to sow seeds of faith and hope, nurturing a future where every community in South Asia can experience the transformative power of the Gospel. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at REAP India.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Evening: REAP's Annual Spring Fundraiser!

We are excited to announce that our much-anticipated annual fundraising event — Picnic In the Grove — is back, promising an evening of fun, food, and fellowship — all for a great cause!

When and Where?

Mark your calendars for March 3rd, from 4-8 pm, and join us at the vibrant, eclectic space of Fair Market! Located in Austin, this new venue is the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates unity, culture, and the shared vision of planting seeds of faith across South Asia.

What's On the Agenda?

Prepare for an action-packed evening filled with engaging activities and heartwarming presentations:

• Live Music: Performed by talented local artists.

• Cornhole Tournament: Team up with friends or family and show off your skills in a friendly competition.

• Petting Zoo: A joy for attendees of all ages! 

• Dinner and Drinks: Savor delicious food courtesy of Peached Tortilla.

• Raffle and Auction: Participate in our exciting raffle and bid on exclusive items, with all proceeds supporting our mission.

• Inspiring Updates: Hear firsthand accounts of our ongoing projects in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and more, presented by REAP's Director, Sam Rajkumar.

Bringing Hope to South Asia

This year, we're introducing an opportunity for businesses and individuals to significantly impact our efforts by becoming a Presenting Sponsor. This pivotal role is more than a sponsorship; it's a partnership in bringing transformative hope to countless lives.

Join the Committee or Become a Sponsor

We invite you to step forward and join our vibrant committee, or consider various sponsorship levels. The deadline for registration is November 3rd, so don't delay in becoming an integral part of this event.

Can't Attend? Your Support Still Counts!

Your presence at our event would be invaluable, but if you're unable to attend, you can still contribute to this noble cause. Donations can be made directly through the event page, and no act of generosity is too small.

A United Effort

Every spring, we come together not just to raise funds, but to celebrate the unity that helps us overcome challenges in our mission fields. The evening is not just a fundraiser — it's a testament to the power of community.

Join us in making this event a milestone of success for our brothers and sisters in South Asia. Whether through attending, sponsoring, or donating, your involvement makes a difference.

For more information on the event, registration, and how you can contribute, please click here.

Your support fuels our mission, and together, we're sowing seeds of faith. See you there!

Honoring the Legacy of Pastor Rohit and A Bright Future Ahead In Odisha

In the rich tapestry of India's landscape, certain threads shine brighter, weaving stories of unwavering faith and purpose. Pastor Rohit from Deogarh, Odisha, was one such radiant thread, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. His journey, marked by humility and immense dedication, stands as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.

A Humble Beginning, A Resounding Impact

Pastor Rohit embarked on his mission in Deogarh, planting his first IRCP church between 2013 and 2016. Smart, innovative, and passionate, Rohit dedicated his life to discipling the Odiya people. From the very beginning, his ability to draw people to Jesus was evident. His jovial nature and inquisitive mind turned learning into a joyful experience, making him a favorite among trainers.

A Flourishing Ministry

Blessed by the Lord, Rohit's ministry flourished. Not only did he achieve self-sustainability, but he also secured a home for his family. The first church he planted, under the guidance and supervision of REAP India, blossomed into a mother church, giving birth to four daughter churches. In his eight years of service, Rohit led over 300 people to the Lord, raised seven leaders, and imparted the vision of disciple-making, even amidst the history of hostility towards Christian workers in the region.

A Legacy That Inspires

In May 2021, Pastor Rohit succumbed to COVID-19 and was called to his heavenly abode. While his untimely passing left a void, his legacy continues to inspire future generations of church planters undergoing the IRCP training program at BBCM. Rohit has become a significant reference point for the deployment of church planters among the Odiya people.

Supporting the Growth

Pastor Rohit's impact is still felt, and his vision lives on in the churches and disciples he nurtured. To honor his memory and continue his work, REAP India is committed to lending support wherever possible to mature these church plants. Pastor Rohit's story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, faith can move mountains and transform lives.

Investing in Odisha Church Plants

As we remember Pastor Rohit, we are reminded of the strength and resilience embedded in a life dedicated to the Gospel. His journey and the fruits of his labor continue to inspire, enlightening the path for many more to follow. Pastor Rohit's legacy is not just a story of an individual’s faith, but a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of divine love in the heart of Deogarh, Odisha.

If you’d like to honor Pastor Odisha’s legacy and help continue his work, you can give towards our church planting efforts here.

Why Is India in Such Need of Strategic Discipleship?

India, a land of cultural diversity, is fertile ground for the Good News of the Gospel. While the nation offers an incredible opportunity, it also presents unique challenges for spreading the Gospel. At REAP India, our mission is rooted in strategic discipleship that aims to plant churches and support pastors throughout the country. But why is this work particularly urgent in India? Let's delve into the critical factors.

95% Unbelievers

The Indian subcontinent is home to nearly 1.4 billion souls, and yet, about 95% are unbelievers. The majority of the population adheres to Hinduism, Islam, and animistic worldviews. The spirituality in India is marked by a mystical ethos, often enveloping individuals in a world where truth is sometimes seen as threatening to existing cultural practices. These barriers make the spread of the Gospel a complex but vital undertaking.

Polytheistic Culture

The prevalent polytheistic culture in India has created an atmosphere of perverted worship systems that often lead to fanaticism and brutality. Rising incidents of threats and killings for religious causes further emphasize the immediate need for the message of Jesus Christ—one of love and peace. 

Legal Obstacles

In recent years, India has seen an increase in laws that suppress Christians. With secularism and religious freedom receiving new restrictive interpretations, the challenge to spread the Gospel is becoming increasingly difficult. This institutional hurdle only underscores the importance of strategic, long-term efforts to fulfill the Great Commission in India.

Untrained Pastors

Despite the passion and zeal of many pastors in India, there exists a significant gap in their theological, biblical, and missional training. This inadequacy often makes them less effective in reaching out to the unbelievers and addressing existing issues and challenges. Additionally, pastors working in remote regions are isolated from productive training programs, hampering their efforts even more.

Not Reaching the Community

One of the most pressing concerns is the inability of many churches to bridge the gap between the Christian and non-Christian communities effectively. Without strategic discipleship and adequate training, even well-meaning Christians are not equipped to reach these undisciplined communities.

The Role of REAP India

Recognizing these challenges, REAP India is committed to strategic discipleship through church planting and supporting pastors across the country. We aim to:

• Train Pastors: Equip pastors with theological education and practical skills to navigate the complexities of ministry in a diverse culture.

• Church Planting: Plant churches in rural settings, providing a local body of believers to support and encourage one another.

• Community Outreach: Develop specialized training programs that enable Christians to reach out effectively to non-believing communities.

• Legal Support: Offer resources and support for churches to navigate the legal landscape while maintaining a clear focus on their mission.

• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with other organizations and ministries to extend our reach and impact.

Why Partner with Us?

The task ahead is enormous but so is the opportunity. When you partner with REAP India, you are investing in a strategic, long-term vision to bring the love of Jesus Christ to a land thirsting for true peace and hope.

By supporting our work, you enable us to:

• Train and equip more pastors.

• Plant more churches in unreached areas.

• Develop community outreach programs.

• Offer legal support to churches in need.

• Amplify the impact through partnerships.

Through your generous donations and prayers, you become a co-laborer in our mission.

Become A Part of What God is Doing in India

India's spiritual landscape is complex but not impassable. With strategic discipleship, committed leaders, and the transformative power of the Gospel, we believe that change is not just possible—it is inevitable. Join us as we embark on this divine assignment to share the love of Jesus Christ with the people of India.

To learn more about how you can support our work, please click here.

Raising Local Leaders: Our Mission in Church Planting Training in South Asia

In the vibrant colors and intricate tapestry of South Asia lies a compelling call to share the Gospel with so many who have never heard it. From bustling cities to the tranquil, rural farmlands, our organization strives to respond to this call by nurturing and training local leaders dedicated to spreading the Gospel. We deeply appreciate our donors' incredible commitment and belief in our mission, and today, we would like to offer a closer look into the work we do, especially with regard to our training programs.

Academy for Church Planting and Leadership

At the heart of our operations is the Academy for Church Planting and Leadership (ACPL). This renowned training institute nurtures individuals, both men and women, who aspire to plant churches and take up leadership roles within the church planting community. ACPL doesn't just teach the Bible; it integrates special revelation with science, commerce, and arts (general revelation) to foster a comprehensive understanding of God’s purpose for humankind.

Our graduates primarily engage in church planting and mission leadership, armed with knowledge and skills to navigate the myriad of cultural, social, and political challenges they encounter. Their holistic training is fortified with sound empirical research methodologies, a unique facet of our program that allows them to engage more profoundly with the communities they serve.

Accredited by the Indian Institute of Missiology (IIM) and a proud member of the Asian Theological Association (ATA), ACPL is a beacon of faith, knowledge, and community building. For further details on these programs, please visit our website at www.a4cpl.org.

Grass Roots Engagement: Certified Programs

Alongside the work of ACPL, we're aware that the grassroots levels within the region house a vast number of unreached people. Our certified programs extend beyond the traditional classroom, reaching out to these grassroots church planters and leaders, who play a crucial role in expanding God's kingdom. By contextualizing training materials to resonate with regional dynamics, we ensure their relevance and efficacy.

Understanding the practical challenges our grass root leaders face, such as leaving their familiar culture and agricultural land, we've optimized our program structure. It now allows potential leaders to acquire vital training without disrupting their everyday lives significantly.

Indigenous Reproductive Church Planting

In alignment with our emphasis on “Indigenous Reproductive Church Planting,” we launched the 'Diploma in Church Planting' in February 2013. This program caters specifically to grass-roots level church planters and leaders, aiming to promote the planting of self-supporting, self-propagating, and self-governing churches in their native regions.

Training Needs and Costs

Training church planters is not a short-term task. We foresee at least a 36-month period for a successful indigenous reproductive church to be planted. Therefore, we've adapted our training model to distribute training over the same time frame. This approach has not only reduced the time taken to plant a church but also facilitated ongoing research and growth.

Implementing such a transformative strategy, however, requires financial resources. It costs us $1800 to train each person per batch, with each batch consisting of 6 training events spread over 36 months. A monthly support of $50 for a period of 36 months from generous donors like you can help us meet the training costs of one church planter.

Each year, we aim to train 150 church planters in South Asia, an endeavor that requires an annual budget of $90,000. Perhaps the Lord is leading you to support this mission. If you would like to know more about our training events or contribute towards this, please contact us at info@reapindia.church.

The work we do, with your invaluable support, is more than just training individuals. It's about empowering communities, nurturing faith, and cultivating a culture of Christ-likeness. Let's continue this journey together, planting churches and spreading the Gospel throughout South Asia. Together, we can make a lasting impact and sow seeds of faith for a brighter future.