Stories of Transformation and the Power of Prayer
- Foin Network
- Apr 24
- 3 min read
This spring, the Friends of India Network led a group of 14 travelers from California and Georgia to witness the profound impact our partner and this ch*rch planting ministry are making across Northern India. They heard powerful stories of transformation, witnessed the priority and power of prayer, and returned home inspired and humbled. Enjoy reading two of their personal reflections.
Hubert: Experiencing the Early Ch*rch in Modern India
Our team from New North Ch*rch had the privilege of visiting the FOIN ministry in India this April—our first time witnessing the Indigenous Ch*rch Movement firsthand. We weren’t sure what to expect on what was described to us as a “different kind of mission trip.” But what we encountered far exceeded anything we could have imagined.
We stepped into two house ch*rches and were immersed in a world that felt straight out of the book of Acts. Testimonies poured forth—bold and courageous stories of transformation that you rarely hear back home. Many spoke of deliverance from demonic oppression, and of physical, emotional, and relational healing through Jesus.
Women, men, and even teenagers stood and shared how following Christ had cost them deeply—personal safety, cultural status, even family ties. And yet, their joy was unmistakable. In the face of government scrutiny and familial persecution, they continue to love boldly, serve faithfully, and share the hope of the go*pel with their communities.
One moment that moved us deeply was when members of the house ch*rches we visited—after we had prayed for them—washed our feet. Their humble hospitality brought many of us to tears.
Another highlight was gathering with around 200 ch*rch planting leaders from one region. We were humbled by the scale and passion of their work. One particularly inspiring moment was seeing a 100-year-old ch*rch planter—responsible for over 50 house ch*rches—celebrated on stage. Last year, he received a motorcycle to continue his mission. Beaming with joy, he declared that he still had many more villages to reach for Christ!
Throughout our trip, one theme echoed again and again: the power and priority of prayer. Whether in small house gatherings or large regional meetings, prayer wasn’t just a part of their ministry—it was the heartbeat of it. This deep dependence on the Lord challenged and inspired all of us.
This trip wasn’t just a visit. It was a revelation. We saw the global Ch*rch alive and thriving. And we returned with full hearts, fresh vision, and a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Jesus, no matter the cost.
Susie: Front Row to Faith: Witnessing the Indigenous Ch*rch Movement in IndiaThis April, I had the honor of visiting house ch*rches in India—an experience that gave me a front-row seat to the transforming power of Jesus in the lives of new believers. Our team entered a small, one-room home that had been converted into a house ch*rch. Though it was modest, the space was overflowing with worship, joy, and the unmistakable presence of hope.
Because it was harvest season, most of the attendees were women, while the men worked in the fields. Despite the heat and simplicity of the room, over 30 people sat on the floor, singing praises. One by one, the women stood up to testify to what the Lord had done for them.
One woman shared how she had been very ill and had exhausted her resources paying a witch doctor for help—with no results. In her desperation, a neighbor told her, “I know where you can get better—and it’s free.” She followed her to a house ch*rch, where the pastor prayed over her. Miraculously, she was healed. No payment. No conditions. Just Jesus. That encounter led her to embrace the promise of eternal life.
Another woman shared through tears and strength how her abusive husband had intensified his opposition to her faith. Yet, with unshakable conviction, she said, “No, I will always follow Jesus.” Despite daily persecution, she continues to stand firm, asking us only to pray for her husband’s salvation. The hope in her eyes was unforgettable.
I celebrated my birthday during this trip, but I told the Lord, “I don’t need gifts. Hearing these stories is more than enough.” In each village we visited, we saw the fruit of faithful labor and the momentum building around the vision of No Village Left —a healthy ch*rch in every village by 2033.
I’m deeply grateful to FOIN for allowing me to witness firsthand the Indigenous Ch*rch Movement in action. This wasn’t just a week-long mission. It was a glimpse into eternity.
In Christ,
