Andaman Islands

We are expecting revival in the churches in 2021.

—Pastor Ram*

ANDAMAN ISLANDS IMPACT REPORT 2020

THE POWER OF THE WORD

$15,135 Total 2020 Ministry Expenditures

20 Missionaries Supported

54+ New Believers

A union territory of India, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to what is sometimes referred to as the most isolated place on earth—North Sentinel Island. With a population of just 400,000 throughout the islands, the local pastors and missionaries we come alongside of have the opportunity to make a large impact on the culture of the entire main island, Great Andaman.

In 2020, in addition to providing modest monthly support for 20 pastors and missionaries, our support enabled our local partners to help over 100 families hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic with emergency food supplies for a month. Two churches were repaired after storm damage, and at least 54 men and women made decisions to follow Jesus—with several hundred more men, women, and children indicating a great interest in the Gospel.

Pastor Khodi* reflects:

“Since last March, during COVID-19, we are so much suffering and struggling and facing many problems. In lockdown, we could not move any place, shop, get essential items, go to the medical store, or go to fish and vegetable markets. We continued praying in house church services, as all churches were closed down. We continued to pray for the whole world and India—for those who are suffering from COVID-19, and especially those doctors and nurses who are day and night working to save the people. We continually broke down and prayed and cried to the Lord Jesus to please help us and save us. We read the Holy Bible and the Spirit of God strengthened us. Praise God. Thank you, Jesus. By seeing our daily prayer and worship in the house, seven nearby people came and joined in the prayer on Sundays. All of them are Hindus.” Pastor Ram*, our director of ministry on the islands, shares this:

“As everything was locked down, monthly support was very much needed. Finances were a very great challenge, as people in the church could no longer give. There was much wondering about what would happen. Harvest Bridge helped a lot so we could meet the basic needs. In this time of great need, [those who supported us] are like the ravens that fed Elijah in the famine.

There were no new churches planted in 2020, but Bible studies continued to be conducted. Throughout the pandemic, we have had early morning prayer over teleconference. We were so blessed listening to the Word. We knew the Word would work. The Word would take power. People received the prayers and got saved and came to the church. Non-Christians and Christians joined these online meetings. Before 2020, if a Hindu came to church they would be rejected by their family. But over the phone, people are more interested; they could safely learn more. Pray this brings more changes for the ministry. Every increase in the church has happened after toil or persecution or depression. We are expecting revival in the churches in 2021.”