Anyone doing Christian ministry in South Asia encounters poverty, opposition, and uncertainty.  The churches in our network have little political or economic influence, so they are particularly vulnerable to mistreatment even in regions where large, established churches are accepted.  Many – probably most – of our pastors and church planters have been beaten for their faith, and some have faced murderous attacks.

It would be foolish to conduct this ministry without the help of experienced leaders familiar with local conditions.  We have sought leaders who have close relationships with Jesus Christ, and who have been fruitful in spite of adversity.  Since these people have endured and have been found faithful, we trust them to provide us with information and guidance in their countries.

We are pleased with the international leaders the Lord has provided and we would love to tell you all about them, but we are aware that they are frequently targets of harassment and persecution and we do not want to add to their troubles by publishing their personal information where fanatics can find it easily.  (We make an exception in the case of our Indian leader, who serves a more public role for EFI.)  The following summary shows how God has blessed us with devout, committed, and resourceful people who have flourished under very difficult conditions.

Backgrounds of EFI’s national coordinators

Bangladesh 

 

 Our leader in Bangladesh created an indigenous missionary organization that planted 27 churches and baptized 1,832 adults in just five years.
Bhutan Working amid great opposition, our Bhutan coordinator pastors a missionary church that has planted 11 branch churches and over 20 house churches throughout the country.
India 

 

 Pastor V. James Pandian is the founder and President of India Evangelical Fellowship and serves as EFI’s Director of International Outreach.  He has planted dozens of churches and engaged in ministry throughout India and South Asia.
Myanmar 

 Our Myanmar leader established a missionary organization that plants churches, an orphanage, and an organization that advances the well being of tribal people. 
Nepal 

 Our coordinator in Nepal established ten churches in a region hostile to Christians. 
Pakistan 

 Our Pakistani coordinator planted 23 churches in eight years.  He also has translated numerous Christian books and has coordinated numerous disaster relief programs.
Sri Lanka Our Sri Lankan coordinator pastors a church with 82 small groups, and assists his father in leading an organization  with 33 branch Churches and 4,320 believers.