SOM India
India is the least reached nation for the Gospel in the world. It is currently in the top ten nations of persecution against its small minority of Christians. In 2011, SOM-USA assisted the first church planting school within the SOM International network. In 2012, the SOM-India Director established SOM-India with a heart to serve persecuted Christians and advance the Gospel.
Ladies’ sewing discipleship schools were also established, training widows in the skill of sewing and biblical discipleship.
As of 2023, there are twenty-seven church planting schools and twenty-seven sewing discipleship schools operating twice a year, commissioning these leaders to reach the remotest areas of India.
Meet the Director of SOM – India
- This pastor was healed of terminal liver disease. Two days later, he and his family gave their lives to faith in Christ.
- He preached the Gospel to others for three months before receiving his first Bible.
- At age 16, he left home by faith to preach the Gospel full time. He only had the clothes on his back, a tattered Bible, and the equivalent of $3.00 USD.
- He walked over 40,000 miles, witnessing Christ to thousands in unreached villages from 1992 to 2001.
- The SOM–India Director is fluent in seven languages.
- He currently oversees an exploding network of over 40,000 house churches.
- He has a team of leaders multiplying leaders alongside him to help spread the Gospel throughout India.
Latest News from SOM India
Persecution Escalates in India
Religious persecution continues to escalate in parts of India, where Christians face growing hostility for practicing their faith. A recent attack on a Christmas gathering underscores the rising tension and violence, revealing the challenges believers endure in staying faithful under extreme pressure. This heartbreaking account sheds light on the courage of those who suffer for their faith and the urgent need for awareness and prayer. While the individuals in the report are not affiliated with SOM-India, their experience demonstrates what our persecuted family faces regularly. Christian Women Targeted and Brutalized Source: Morning Star News, January 9, 2025 A tribal Christian
Imprisoned for Their Faith
In 2024, seven church planters and church members in India found themselves falsely accused and unjustly imprisoned, facing immense pressure from Hindu government leaders. Their persecution stems from the fear of the Hindu group losing control over the region’s political power due to successful conversions and transformation among tribal communities. The Holy Spirit is at work! Prisoners are often denied basic human rights and essentials like clean water and proper medical treatment. Despite these harsh conditions, their unwavering faith in Jesus remains steadfast. They continue to radiate the light of the Gospel within the prison walls. Prayer as
Children in the Persecuted Church Worldwide
Children Inspire Hope in the Face of Persecution Years ago in India, SOM CEO David Witt interviewed a high-caste, Hindu-background family. For their persecution for leaving Hinduism and preaching Christ, fundamentalist Hindus broke into their house and began to beat the father. The mother fell on the father to protect him. Then, the two young daughters followed suit and fell upon their parents to protect them. Together, they were beaten as a family. The two young girls told David how they prayed for their persecutors during the beating. They said they did not hold any bitterness toward the
Life Imprisonment Bill Passed in Indian State
In persecuted and unreached regions of the world, the scattered followers of Christ have a choice: a life of imprisonment to sin or being captured in obedience to Christ. The most populous state of India is Uttar Pradesh, and estimates say it is home to over 250 million people This makes just one state in India nearly 75 percent of the population of the USA. This state’s government is determined to keep its subjects in idolatry and darkness. If Christians share Christ or change their religion from Hinduism to Christianity, they are in danger of spending twenty years in
Asia Update: The Power of God’s Word
Naveen's journey is a testament to the transformative power of God's Word. He, a Hindu-background servant of Christ, graduated in June of this year from the twenty-sixth class of church planters. Here is his story, a beacon of hope and inspiration for your encouragement: Naveen’s Story After my conversion to Christianity, my family and I faced severe persecution, including being beaten and driven out of our village home. Despite these hardships, we persevered, living with my grandfather. However, even this respite was short-lived, as my grandfather passed away. Village members started to say that because I became a Christian, my
India: Interrogations Are a New Way of Life
While working hard to teach the Word and serve in the sewing work, sewing workers in India are facing a new challenge. Police are increasing the number of interrogations among these workers to scrutinize and antagonize the work. One of the SOM India regional leaders reported that a Sewing and Discipleship leader was recently stopped and questioned by police to find out how she learned the skill of sewing and where she received the sewing machine. Authorities are trying to learn more about the network and the sources behind it. Another Sewing and Discipleship leader was praying for a sick
