July 17, 2007

Bethel Missions vs. U.S. Decadence

James Punnoose is Director of Bethel Missions, in India.

This program highlights the great contrast between Christian missions and churches around the world, with many in the United States. One glaring contrast is between the extreme poverty of many of the overseas ministries, and the extreme, flaunted wealth, of many ministries in this country.

For example, Bethel Missions has grown from its humble start in 1994 with 7 children and 20 rupees, to where they now care for over 300 children in 7 orphan homes as well as a Bible college with teachers, office and field staff. They also operate daycare for over 150 children, and have taken on a ministry to provide the basic needs of six villages, and they operate the Southern Asia Bible College.

Their current needs are for funds to complete a 5000 square foot clinic, at a cost of $50,000, or $10 per square foot, to provide adequate medical care which is in short supply in Northeast India Children can be supported for $20 per month. Added funds are needed for the support of three pastors who need motorcycles for transportation, plus clothing for the children, and added dormitory space and classrooms.

By contrast, Ingrid told of churches in this country that are taking on massive debt to demolish multi million-dollar facilities in order to build even larger and more magnificent multi million-dollar facilities. In addition, the sales of "Christian" merchandise of all kinds in the United States has been labeled "Big Business", exemplified by the $4.6 billion Christian Bookstore Association convention recently in Atlanta.

Listeners were encouraged to consider supporting this ministry, which VCY America respects for their dedication to serve the people of India with physical needs and with the Gospel.

More Information

For information and pictures of the ministries of Bethel Missions in India:

http://www.bethelmissions.org/

Donations for Bethel Missions are channeled through Christian Aid Mission in Virginia. When donating, please make your check to Christian Aid Mission, and then designate your gift by placing "670 BEM" in the memo, and it will be channeled to Bethel Missions.

Send your contributions to:
Christian Aid Mission
P.O. Box 9037
Charlottesville, VA 22906