Kungada Mission, Gadchiroli, Vidharbha Region

November 08, 2016 marked the maiden visit of the new Diocesan Episcopa , Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, to the mission fields in and around Gadchiroli. He was accompanied by the Diocesan Missionary, Rev. K. C. Chacko and the Diocesan Treasurer, Sri P. K. Achenkunju. Mr. Martin came from the Mar Thoma Church, Mulund in North Bombay. Mr. Pradeep the coordinator guided the team.

The first visit on November 7th was the Mission Field at Kungada. The evangelist Suresh Nikham and his wife Venu Thai are ministering there. This field is supported by the Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Vishranta wadi. The visiting team was welcomed by the gathered community by giving garlands and flowers. The community sang Christian songs with the help of the musical instruments.

The Gospel work started here in the year 2006. It started with one family that turned to Jesus. Prayer fellowship started in the house of Sri Haridas Gurudas. There were problems in the beginning, but the Almighty God guided them. Believers became strong in their faith and started worshipping. For the last 10 years, there is no problem in the village and the ministry is going smoothly.

Now there are 57 baptized people and 40 seekers. There are Sunday school programs for the 21 children and youth programmes for the 18 youth members. About 20 people are asking for baptism. The meeting was arranged on the road side near the houses. Solar lamps are given to the village as street lights. Both suresh and Venu are active in Evangelistic work and the youth there are talented. Mar Theodosius spoke to the community from the Word of God and Sri Pradeep translated it. The Rev. K. C. Chacko Achen concluded the meeting with prayer and the bishop pronounced the benediction. The children and youth presented cultural dance based on the Christian songs. The members present received blessings from the bishop as they all sang together a song of praise.

The faith community is looking forward to have more visits from the Vishrantawadi community and interaction between the communities to strengthen their bond. They are praying for God’s guidance in having a common place of their own for community gathering and regular worship.

Mar Theodosius+