A BEYOND team was recently sitting with an Indian disciple-maker from the Bhojpuri network, asking questions as they measured the growth of a movement.
“How many churches have you started?” they asked.
The man—quiet, humble, almost hesitant—smiled. “Only 75.”
“And your team?”
“About 1500,” he replied. Many of those churches had already multiplied into four, five, and even more generations.
As the conversation deepened, the team learned this was not a story of polished leadership or formal training. It was a story of transformation.
Before following Jesus, the man said he had been a “dangerous robber.” As he spoke, he and the translator acted out firing a gun, a sobering reminder of the life he once lived. Fear had followed him then—wherever he went.
When he chose to follow Jesus, his community reacted with threats and pressure, demanding that he return to his former religion. Finally, he told them the truth: they did not really know what they were asking. If he went back, he warned, he would also return to being the dangerous man they once feared.
Remembering his past, they stopped pressing him so aggressively.
The opposition didn’t end there.
Not long ago, a police chief arrived at his home with several officers to arrest him for “converting” people—literally, for “changing the minds of others,” a serious crime. Calmly, the disciple-maker explained that he wasn’t converting anyone.
“I just sing songs about Jesus,” he said, “and tell stories about Jesus.”
The police chief was unconvinced. “Then sing,” he demanded.
So the disciple-maker picked up his small tambourine and sang a simple song about Jesus.
When the song ended, the police chief stood quietly for a moment. Then he said, “I feel such peace when you sing. I see no problem with what you are doing. You may continue to sing your songs and tell your stories.”
Please join us in praying that this man and the movement he helps lead will continue to multiply, starting many more generations of churches through simple obedience, courageous faith, and the quiet power of the gospel.
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