Supporting Preaching and Evangelism in India
Why Preaching and Evangelism Matter
From the beginning, God has chosen preaching and teaching as the means by which people come to know Him. Scripture tells us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. When God’s Word is clearly taught and shared, lives are changed and faith is strengthened. This is why preaching and evangelism matter—not as one part of the ministry, but at its very heart.
This is what it all comes down to. If we give to support good works without a mind toward winning souls, we have helped someone for only a moment. But if our ultimate goal is to bring people to Christ, we have helped someone not only in this life, but eternally.
At Sanctuary Ministries, our objective is to show Christ’s love, and in doing so, to reach beyond today’s needs and add to God’s kingdom. That growth, of course, can only be accomplished by God, but He calls His people to spread His Word.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
— Matthew 28:19
Our Father calls His people to send those who will preach the Word to those who have not heard.
“For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?"
— Romans 10:13-15a
This Is What It's All About
The Reality for Preachers and Evangelists
In many parts of India, those who preach and teach God’s Word do so under challenging circumstances. Most local preachers and evangelists receive little or no regular financial support for their work. In order to provide for their families, many must work additional jobs alongside their ministry—often physically demanding labor such as working in the fields, brick laying, or other daily-wage work..
This additional work is necessary, but it often limits the time and energy they are able to devote to preaching, teaching, evangelism, strengthening congregations, and helping poor widows and children. Travel to surrounding villages, coordination with other ministers, and opportunities for gospel outreach are frequently limited by the work required outside of their ministry.
However, these faithful men continue to labor because they are called to do so, even when the work is difficult. Understanding these circumstances helps explain why support matters and how it can make a meaningful difference in their ability to serve.
How Your Support Helps Those Serving in God's Kingdom
Support helps free preachers and evangelists to devote more time to the work they are called to do. When some of the burden of daily labor is eased, more time can be spent preaching, teaching, visiting congregations, and sharing the gospel in surrounding villages.
Support also allows greater flexibility as needs arise. It helps make possible travel, coordination with other ministers, and opportunities for evangelism that would otherwise be difficult or delayed.
How Your Donation Is Used to Support This Work
All gifts designated for preaching and evangelism are used entirely for that purpose. One hundred percent of what is given goes directly to support the work of those who are on the ground preaching, teaching, and reaching out to their communities, spreading the love and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. No portion of these gifts is withheld for administrative costs or overhead.
Support is applied as needs arise, recognizing that preachers, ministers, and evangelists often serve in multiple roles and under varying circumstances. This allows the work to be strengthened where it is most needed, while remaining faithful to the purpose for which the gifts are given.
The People Doing the Work
Preachers and ministers from the hill regions near Chintapalle gathered, with Isaac teaching, encouraging, and mentoring them. These men serve congregations across remote villages, often under difficult conditions, while continuing to learn and strengthen one another.
Bro. Isaac Palaparthi, evangelist and our director of operations in India
Bro. Devadas Kanapala,
Ministers to six congregations, preaching weekly across multiple villages
Bro. Alexander Bommidala and family. Alexander serves as a senior mentor in this hilltop area around Chintapalle
Bro. Prabhakar Rao Gurajala, Teaching and preaching alongside Isaac; supports and strengthens local congregations
These are just some of the men serving through this work. Support is applied as needs arise and is not limited to these individuals alone. In addition to those pictured above, at least 18 other preachers are currently receiving some level of support. We work alongside approximately 125 ministers in this region, many of whom serve faithfully with little or no regular financial help.