Renovating Churches Changes Lives
The lost church: Before
Gifts to Jesus for Asia's Church Rebuilding project in 2024 helped renovate this once-lost Seventh-Day Adventist church to be used again as a light in the community.
We recently discovered that a number of churches in this area of India had become "lost." The church leaders didn't even know they existed. When they found this particular church, it was in terrible shape. The sewer was damaged, the roof was about to cave in; it was completely unsafe to worship in. Many locals saw the decaying building as a blight in the community. Former church members prayed for God to restore their place of worship.
God answered their prayers, and through your prayers and support we were able to fund the renovation of this church. Now, this church has a pastor who can shepherd the 40-50 people attending each Sabbath. The pastor's wife, Rachel*, is a JFA Bible Worker, and she is ministering to the children in her area and supporting outreach in surrounding villages.
The lost church: After
This newly renovated church caught the attention of a lady living in the community, whose life has been transformed by Jesus through the ministry of the pastor and Bible Worker. She shares her story below:
Greetings in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ.
My name is Ritu. I'm a widow and mother of three boys, working as an ASHA (community health) worker. Life took a painful turn when my husband passed away in 2024. Though I was raised in the Church of North India, my in-laws attended various Pentecostal churches, which left us spiritually scattered and confused. We went to many churches, but I didn't experience any growth in my faith or Biblical understanding. Eventually, I stopped reading the Bible and praying.
After my husband's death, I was broken and questioned God's existence. I believed pastors were just storytellers, and the Bible had no comfort. I returned to my family home in another town, where I stayed for a month. Then, on April 1, 2025, I moved back to this town and saw a newly constructed church. I learned that a pastor had arrived and was visiting church members. He came to my home, prayed for us, and invited us to the new church.
That Saturday, I attended the service. The worship was heartfelt, and the pastor preached on Revelation 14:6–11, referring to it as the Three Angels' Messages. He taught that the Sabbath is the seal of God, referencing Isaiah 66:23. I was surprised—I'd always believed Sunday was the Sabbath. But when I opened the Bible with him, I saw the truth for myself. That moment changed everything. Now, every Sabbath, we receive inspiring, Bible-based sermons. Pastor's wife, Sister Rachel, also visits homes, shares health principles from NEWSTART, and organizes women's and children's ministries.
Through their guidance, I've regained my faith and Biblical knowledge. I now understand that the seventh day—Saturday—is the true Sabbath and the seal of God.
Today, I proudly call myself a Seventh-day Adventist. I thank Jesus Christ for restoring my faith and sending a God-fearing pastor's family here.
Sister Rachel conducting a prayer meeting in someone's home
The leader of the church in this area is encouraged by the spiritual momentum in this area. He shared "Despite its remote location, the church is becoming a hub of consistent worship, children's discipleship, and community outreach. The presence of both a regularized pastor and an active Bible Worker has brought stability and growth. God is truly blessing this field."
We praise God for how He has transformed this church and the lives of the people attending it. Please join us in praying for more people like Rita, to come, hear, and accept the Word of God and Christ's offer of salvation.
We have discovered dozens more churches in India that are in the same condition as this one, or even worse. Our goal is to repair and reopen as many of these churches as possible so they can become lights to their communities once again.
To learn more about this project, or to help support renovation costs, please click the button below.
To help support the ongoing ministries of Bible Workers like Rachel so they can work full-time for Christ, please click the button below.
*Name has been changed.