NICM September 2024 Newsletter
Dear Friends of NICM:
We hope this message finds you well. Given the recent challenges and the growing persecution of Christians across
India, we’ve had to take extra precautions to maintain the safety and secrecy of our operations. While some work has
shifted online, our mission continues, with heightened caution.
The current ruling party, struggling to maintain power, has intensified harassment against Christians, exploiting
religious tensions and falsely accusing us of forced conversions. This persecution echoes some of the trials faced by
early Christians under Roman rule, where their beliefs were seen as a threat to the established order.
Despite the hardship, we remain committed to our calling. Like the early Church, we will persevere with wisdom and
trust in the Lord’s protection. Please keep us in your prayers as we navigate these difficult times.
The Ripple Effect of Our Evening School Programs: Through our evening school programs, we not only educate
at-risk and underprivileged children but also uplift them spiritually. While we usually focus on the children’s
transformation, we want to highlight how this ministry has impacted the couple who rents us their apartment for these
classes.
Initially, they were hesitant to welcome children from lower castes into their home. However, as they saw our team
investing time and love into these children, their hearts softened. Recently, they expressed regret for their past
judgments and now actively support our work, even helping us face resistance in the community. Over time, the
locals have also begun to recognize the changes, not only for the children but the community in general.
What began as a simple rental arrangement has grown into an opportunity to minister to this couple and their
community. Their attitude shift reflects the power of God’s grace and the love you’ve helped make possible. We ask
for your continued prayers for this couple, that they may experience the joy of knowing Christ too.
Disciple Makers Training: As we open our doors to a new academic year for the Disciple Makers Training program,
we feel both excitement and responsibility. Each new student comes with dreams, hopes, and an eagerness to serve
in ministry. They are the future of our mission, and the privilege of guiding them in their faith journey fills us with deep
gratitude. But in these trying times, where safety is uncertain, we’ve had to adapt. Classes once full of chatter and
shared moments now take place online, with some students still physically attending but scattered across our
Ludhiana, Barwala, and Derabassi training facilities for their protection. Yet, despite the distance, the connection
remains strong. The study of ministry roles in the church and evangelism binds us together, and through every
obstacle, we feel God’s hand guiding us forward.
A Story of Transformation and Hope: In the villages where many women are expected to marry young and follow a
predetermined path, a quiet revolution is unfolding. One woman in particular stands out. Tripta, one of our
coordinators in Patiala, shares her story.
During one of our HOT Funds events, where we were distributing food to families in need, we met a woman who was
living in bondage. She came to us unsure of her abilities, having been told all her life that she could never be
independent. But after receiving physical nourishment, and also a message of hope, she decided to join our sewing
training program. Through the power of skill and faith, she found her purpose. Her hands, once idle, now create
beauty. In learning this craft, she not only found her independence but also encountered the love of Christ. Her
gratitude to Tripta, to our team, and most importantly, to Jesus, echoes in our hearts. We are blessed to witness
these moments of transformation, where faith and empowerment go hand-in-hand.
The ripple effects of these small acts of kindness extend beyond our sewing ministry. Through our HOT Funds
Program, we have seen lives changed, hope restored, and faith renewed. While we cannot share every story, each
one is a testament to God’s provision and the unwavering support of our partners, especially IDES. Every gift given
serves as a reminder that we are not in this alone—together, we are making an eternal impact.
Leper Ministry Update: There is nothing more humbling than witnessing the transformation of a life touched by
God’s love. Recently, one of the women in our Leper Ministry shared her heart-wrenching story of pain and isolation.
For years, her wounds—both physical and emotional—had been open and raw. The shame she felt had pushed her
into the shadows, but through the embrace of our Christian community, she found hope. Her tears were once of
despair, but now they flow from the joy of knowing she is not alone. And yet, her struggle is far from over. Her
wounds still break open, and her heart aches for healing. We long to provide her, and others like her, with the
medicines that can bring relief, and we continue to be vessels of God’s grace in their lives, using these moments to
share the Gospel as well. This report comes from Bubbly, wife of the Pastor from Rajpura.
Medical Camps Update: As the rain pours down during this monsoon season, so too do the challenges in the
villages we serve. Illnesses, brought on by the wet weather, spread quickly, and our hearts break for those suffering.
But in these moments, we are reminded of our purpose. Our medical camps are more than just a service; they are a
lifeline. They not only provide the physical care that so many need but also open doors to share the Gospel. Each
patient we see is a soul in need, and we are raising funds for medicine to ensure that we can continue reaching even
the most remote areas. There are villages still hoping and waiting for us—-And with God’s grace, we will be there.
Medical supplies: We urgently need funds to purchase supplies for combating diseases common during the rainy
season. $500 supports a full-day camp for approximately 100 villagers.
Prayer Requests
• Pray for Pastor David, Suraj and Prince, as they continue to lead the future of our ministry (DM Training).
• Pastor Yunus: He remains severely unwell with his liver condition. Please pray for his healing, and for
strength and comfort during this difficult time.
• Please keep Bira Masih, Bhupinder, Balvir Chand, and Jagtar in your prayers as they prepare for baptism,
with a total of 10 baptisms pending.
• Praise God for the smooth ongoing construction for our community center, which is nearing completion.
Ministry Requests
• Evening school programs: Just $7/month helps provide snacks and transportation for one child
• A van to reach more remote areas and spread the Gospel ($5,000).
• Roof for Pastor David’s church ($21,000).
• Water supply: A $15,000 tractor-trolley is essential to provide clean water to our communities.
Thanks & Blessings
Simmi, Suraj & Team NICM