Faithful Beginnings, Bold Vision–and the Journey Ahead

As we enter a season of transition, we’d like to take a moment to remember and honor our roots. The Friends of India Network (FOIN) began in 2016 at the direction of our partner.* Soon after, he recruited Jack Klassen to lead the organization with the shared vision of gospel-centered transformation across Northern India. Nearly 40% of the world’s unreached people live in India, and 96% of its 1.4 billion people have yet to hear the gospel (Joshua Project, Jan. 2026). We were formed to empower Indigenous workers to effectively share the love of Christ where it has never been known.

Founder and Visionary 

Our partner often says, “I used to be a radical Hindu, but now am a radical for God.” Once a persecutor of believers, his life transformed after God miraculously healed his brother. Since then, our partner has devoted his life to sharing the Good News.

In 2010, our partner formed a church in the state of Bihar. Today, he’s mobilized more than 1,100 full-time pastors across five states, pursuing the vision of No Village Left–a healthy church in every village of Northern India by 2033. While our partner launched this phenomenal movement, he is far from alone.

Last December, 2,000 current and future church planters gathered for a four-day prayer and planning conference. Approximately 900 of them are church planters-in-training–choosing this path knowing that sharing the gospel could cost them their lives. 

Jack Klassen, President Emeritus and Gospel Patron

Over the last 20 years, Jack and our partner have developed a special friendship. Jack has been a steadfast friend, mentor and advocate. Affectionately known as “Uncle Jack,” he has donated countless hours in service to this organization, traveled to India 26 times, led over 20 vision trips, and enthusiastically shared the story of God’s work through this ministry and encouraged others to join in.

“My overriding passion is to mobilize believers to bring the gospel to those who have never heard,” Jack said. “Nothing compares to the joy of witnessing lives transformed by Christ. In a small way, I consider myself a gospel patron.”

We are deeply thankful for Jack’s wife and strongest supporter, Myrna, as well. She traveled with him on many of the trips–leading marriage counseling conferences for the church planters and their spouses–and showed hospitality to our partner and his wife when they were in the States. 

“We thank God for every donor who joined this work,”said Jack. “What began as an experiment in India has become a great tidal wave of souls.”

Season of Transition

From the beginning, FOIN has been a volunteer-led organization. By God’s grace–and because of faithful partners like you–the work in India has grown exponentially. As the ministry in India continues to expand, our U.S. team is transitioning to better support that growth. 

We are pleased to welcome Nate Vander Stelt as Interim Director of Development, with Kristen “Kris” Davidson stepping into the role of Interim Administrative Assistant. Both are part-time positions. In addition, after nearly a decade as Board Chair, Jack Klassen is passing the baton to Pastor James Harper. We are deeply grateful for Jack’s leadership and thankful that he will remain on the board as President Emeritus, continuing to share his wisdom (and sense of humor). 

Please note our new mailing address for gifts:

Friends of India Network

8816 Manchester Road #172

Brentwood, MO 63144

Gifts may also be given through our website or via Zelle at foin@foinetwork.net.

Grateful to partner with you in this Kingdom work,

Friends of India Network 

*Name omitted for security reasons.