STEPPING INTO A
MISSION UNKNOWN
When the Lord called me and my
wife Suchitra for a special mission in 986, He gave
us a promise: “Open your mouth wide and I will fill
it” Ps.81:10.
But we had difficulties.
First, we were to step into a mission that was not in existence and start everything from the scratch.
Second, we did not know what this new movement would be like and where it would lead us. We had no resources to initiate, no pattern to follow, nor a god-father to bank upon.
Third, we had just had our first baby. We were afraid of taking too many risks that would jeopardize the child’s future. We were opposed to the idea of relocating in a tribal hamlet.
By this time, I had already served with three reputed Christian agencies and was established as an effective missions leader. In fact we were in a comfort zone with managerial responsibilities and all facilities that came with it. Once we left this coveted position, we knew we would be on the roads.
But we couldn’t say ‘no’ to the Lord of our lives.
The vision was so clear and sublime that we had no
other go than to submit. We decided to move on
holding the promise of the Lord in one hand and the
mission to the tribes in the other hand.
And this was the beginning of Calvary Commission in
India (CCI). The later development of AIM ASIA as a
social service agency and the blossoming of Immanuel
Fellowship Churches took place in early 90s to
provide a stronger and well-defines structure to
various service projects and the offshoot
ministries.
These three branches of ministry, though have
different functions, were born of the same parents,
share the same core values and supplement each other
in fulfilling kingdom responsibilities. The work has
now spread out to 14 states of India, Nepal and to
the borders of Bhutan.
The Lord has indeed blessed us with multi-facetted service projects to care for the orphans, widows, the leprosy victims, illiterate, the poor and the down-trodden.
The animal-like living of the tribal communities has always moved us to tears and the plight of destitute, helpless street children scooping for food through garbage dumps rips our hearts apart.
Our heart cry has been the transformation of new people groups and of the destitute orphans and widows. We are committed to uplift the poorest of the poor socially, educationally, economically and spiritually.
We have met many compassionate friends on our 23 year journey who have helped us accomplish an extra-ordinary mission. We are indeed grateful to them.
The current projects in operation are : 14 orphanages, 2 Day Care Centers, 1 Leprosy Care Center, 100 literacy centers, 10 widow centers, 10 sewing centers, computer training center,, Biblical seminary and over 800 praise plants. But for the generous support and prayers of our faithful friends, this mission would not have been possible.
Over and above, the Lord has very graciously raised
for us 516 native pioneers to serve in some of the
most difficult areas. The use of native workers has
proved to be a blessing. It is cost effective and
makes the task so much easier. The expertise and the
commitment of 15 superintendents to coordinate our
work in different states is surely an extra favor
from the Lord.
New ventures in 2010:
1. To start a children’s Home in Rajasthan
2. To initiate 30 literacy centers
3. Collision-2010 (A national youth event)
4. To start a medical clinic in West Bengal
5. To provide Friendship Wells to 10 villages
with acute need for drinking water.
6. To build 100 houses for the persecuted families.
We solicit your partnership.
Yours because of Calvary,
Joab Lohara
President/.CEO
