Khambawi, from Manipur, Northeast India

I am currently in my final year of theology studies (M.Div.) at South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies (SAIACS) in Bangalore. I am living on SAIACS campus with my family. What motivated me to study is that I strongly felt the need to better equip myself with God’s word and to be able to interpret it correctly to those whom I serve.

Before my theological studies, I worked with Serving in Mission (SIM) in East Africa as a short-term missionary for two years. I taught science in one of the Higher Secondary Schools and most of my students were from refugee camps. They were mostly men from 25 years to 45 years of age. After working among them for one year, I could share the gospel with them without encountering any opposition. Later we could begin a Bible Study group as well. On weekends, I was involved in church planting ministry in several refugee camps. Along with the new believers, we constructed several church buildings using woods and dry grasses. I taught the new believers some Arabic worship songs and helped them to read the Scriptures as well.

There is a great thirst for God’s Word in East African countries, especially among the refugees. However, only few people are committed to work as long-term missionaries in this region. It is our prayer, as a family, to go back to East Africa through SIM as a long-term missionary to share the Gospel and to disciple new believers.

My sending church in Manipur is quite small and wasn’t in a position to provide financial support for my theological studies. Until a few months ago, family members, friends and well-wishers were my main financial supporters. However, since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in India, I could raise only 40% of my school fees and for my family maintenance.

We will appreciate your prayer and support for our family in our faith journey. Let us together participate in extending the kingdom of God on this earth. Shalom!