A Historic Opportunity on the Subcontinent of India

Posted on January 31, 2025

India has recently surpassed China as the most populous country in the world, with a population of 1.4 billion people. Sadly, over 95% of India’s population is still considered unreached with the gospel. 2,100 of the more than 2,300 unique ethnic people groups in India still have no significant gospel witness. 

What an incredible opportunity for the global church to work together to meet this significant need!

While the current political climate is unfavorable to western missionaries, local Indian churches and ministry workers are committed to carrying out the Great Commission amongst their own people.

At the Lausanne 4 Conference back in September 2024, leaders from India gave first-hand accounts of a growing church in the midst of tragedy and triumph.

Leading with Excellence: Saru’s Story

Saru is one of those gospel workers in India who is using her gifts and platform to spread the gospel. Saru’s story vividly illustrates how the church can thrive even in the hardest places. 

“I am Saru… I am a teacher, trainer, and counselor…Additionally, I head the counseling department as a counselor and serve as a faculty member at Global Action,” she introduces. 

“I was born into a Hindu Brahmin family in Nepal, where I was deeply devoted to my faith. As part of my educational journey, I was sent to India for further studies. It was there, at the age of 16, that I encountered Christ and accepted Him as my Savior. Two years later, at the age of 18, I was baptized, and on that same day, I received God’s call to ministry. I embraced that call wholeheartedly and began serving in various capacities.”

Having come to faith in Jesus and answered the Lord’s call to ministry, Saru sought out theological and practical training. She completed Global Action’s Foundations program, where she was inspired to continue her studies in a Bible college. “This decision was driven by my desire to serve and strengthen my community and the church, helping them grow in their ministry.” 

Saru went on to pursue advanced degrees to match her heart’s devotion to leading among the Indian people with excellence. Today, she splits her time working full time with another ministry and part-time with Global Action as a coordinator and teacher.. She even received a personal invitation to the exclusive Lausanne IV Conference in South Korea last month because of her reputation in the missions community!

“My heart has always been set on equipping churches and communities for greater ministry impact, and I look forward to continuing this journey of service.”

While the vast majority of India’s massive population is still unreached with the gospel and the situation for Christians is challenging, by equipping leaders like Saru we have an incredible opportunity to bring lasting transformation through the gospel.