Self-Support Projects

Indian Churches can use sewing machines and bicycle rickshaws
to help support its ministry and also help poor families develop some income.

Tea Gardens - Penial Gospel Team, West Bengal, India

During the past 25 years a pastor in the state of West Bengal has started dozens of churches among the tea gardens in the northern part of the state. West Bengal has a population of 81 million and is 6/10th of 1% Christian. This ministry is currently baptizing 50 new converts every month.

Due to a drought and an economic downturn in the Tea Gardens, hundreds have lost jobs. Support is needed for new leaders who are establishing house churches. About 220 villages are in real trouble. The greatest need now is for sewing machines and bicycle rickshaws so pastors and new converts can generate income.

• $200 prints 66 Bibles and provides one sewing machine.
• $300 prints 100 Bibles and provides one bicycle rickshaw.
• Goal:
  • 1,000 Bicycle Rickshaws - and print 100,000 Bibles.
  • 1,000 Sewing Machines - and print 66,666 Bibles.
  • Help 220 Villages.

Indian with new rickshaw.

Indian lady with new sewing machine.

Example of Slum Self-Support Project, Faridibad

In Faridibad, Haryana there are 80 slum clusters which each contain approximately 4,000 people. A ministry has started churches in 11 of these slums with a total attendance of about 2,000. These people are very poor.

Requests are for 475 sewing machines and 550 bicycle rickshaws to enable these struggling believers to support themselves and their churches.

• $200 prints 66 Bibles and provides one sewing machine.
• $300 prints 100 Bibles and provides one bicycle rickshaw.
• Goal:
  • 550 Bicycle Rickshaws - and print 55,000 Bibles.
  • 475 Sewing Machines - and print 31,350 Bibles.
  • Assist 2,000 people and 11 churches in slums.