From Rebellion to Redemption

From Rebellion to Redemption

*Ron was born into a Christian family in Indonesia, but faith in his family’s home was shallow and hollow. As a young man, he rebelled hard. By his twenties, he was demanding his father sell family land to fund his lifestyle—partying, drinking, and other reckless behaviors.

When his father refused, Ron lashed out angrily. In a fit of rage, he burned the boat his father had been building. And then spiraled out of control.

While rummaging through some old boxes, Ron found his grandfather’s notes on black magic. Intrigued, he began experimenting with mystical powers. Soon, he was tormented by dark spiritual forces that fueled his pride, aggression, and self-destruction.

Amid this confusion, he fell in love with a Muslim woman and converted to Islam—not out of belief, but out of rebellion and spiritual chaos.

But even in Ron’s darkest moments, God was working.

One day, Ron was invited by a pastor to attend a church service. He went, drunk and defiant, not to seek truth, but to challenge God.

Yet when the simple hymn “I Surrender All…” filled that little church, the Holy Spirit moved mightily. Ron wept and fell to his knees. While on his knees, he had a vision of Jesus on the cross, His blood flowing to cover Ron’s sins. In that moment everything changed.

The very next day—despite a fierce storm—he was baptized. Afterward, Ron rode his motorbike six kilometers home, drenched but singing songs of thanksgiving all the way.  His new life had begun.

Ron was discipled by an Indonesian missionary (serving cross-culturally within his own nation)  who taught him how to share Christ’s love in a simple but profound way.

Eventually, Ron quit his job. He told his boss, “I’m resigning because I want to live out Matthew 28:19–20.”  

Today, Ron serves as a full-time missionary—six days a week, eight hours a day. There is no salary, no retirement plan, no worldly perks—only the joy of obedience and a heart on fire for the gospel.

He says plainly: “I’m willing to die for the gospel, because life in Jesus is far more meaningful than life in sin.”

Pray for Ron’s faithful witness to all those around him and that he would make multiplying disciples wherever he goes.

*pseudonym

FROM GANGSTER TO DISCIPLE MAKER
Pastor *Wint was from a mixed Muslim-and Hindu-background area of Bali, Indonesia. One of his concerns was the unreached tribe on the mountains bordering where he lived.
read more …

DID GOD ANSWER THIS PRAYER?
Recently, Brian and Allison*, Beyond mission catalysts in Austronesia, learned of answers to prayers they and their partners began praying back in 2004!  read more …

LACK OF HARVESTERS …
Recently Reina*, a BEYOND field worker, was approached by a foreign worker from another organization. “I want you to let me know if you have any local workers in your network read more …

From Curiosity to Faith Amidst Persecution

From Curiosity to Faith Amidst Persecution

Disciples in India are facing an escalation of persecution. Stories have emerged of believers being expelled from their villages. To date there have been over 30 brothers and sisters who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the gospel.  

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which governs both nationally and in many states, remains staunchly opposed to Christian activities, including the work of disciple-makers.

In Uttar Pradesh, the anti-converation laws have been frequently enacted, mandating life imprisonment for anyone caught converting others. Yet, despite these formidable challenges, the Kingdom of God continues to grow.

One such story of growth comes from the Listening Movement in India. In a community among the Banjara people—nomadic and of a low caste—women have begun experiencing the transformative power of the gospel. The Banjara, most of whom are illiterate, often find work in labor and transportation. For some time, these women observed Christians from a distance, their curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar way they prayed.

That curiosity deepened when they encountered female disciple-makers who prayed in ways that felt relatable. Seeing women like themselves gathered in prayer encouraged them to draw near. The disciple-makers shared Bible stories, welcoming and accepting them and gently opening the Banjara women’s hearts to the word of God.

Westerners commonly speak up and share their thoughts, but Indians, especially lower-caste women, find this far more difficult. 

However, through the patient and persistent efforts of the disciple-makers, these women began to engage in prayer and discussion. Just two months later, they now meet regularly to study God’s word and pray.

Praise God for this group of women who long to know more about Jesus and obey His teachings. We thank God for the brave disciple-makers who faithfully shared their stories and testimonies, bringing the light of the gospel in the midst of persecution.

Please pray for the families of those who have surrendered their lives for the sake of the gospel.

 

FAITH UNDER FIRE
Twenty-year-old *Ragbir was deeply passionate about spreading the gospel. He often preached in villages far from his own, despite opposition. 
read more

POISONED FOR MAKING IMPACT
Nadal’s life-changing impact had drawn opposition. A local drug dealer, angry about the growing number of transformed lives, … read more

WHEN TWO KINGDOMS COLLIDE
Persecution has been a common trial for many, if not most, of the movement churches in north India for the past ten years, but it has significantly read more

Mourning Into Mission, Grief Into Grace

Mourning Into Mission, Grief Into Grace

*Rohan was a devoted and courageous disciple-maker among the Baghel and Kumhar communities in North India. A faithful leader, he labored with passion to share the good news of Jesus in areas where few had ever heard the Lord’s name. In 2020, Rohan was martyred for his faith by local opposition in the region he served.

He left behind a grieving family, including his daughter Shantha. But they were not alone. Fellow disciple-makers from the broader movement rallied around them, offering spiritual, emotional, practical, and financial support.

At the time of Rohan’s death, few in the surrounding villages knew much about Jesus. But news of his martyrdom spread quickly. As people learned he had been killed simply for serving the Lord, many responded with shock and sympathy. “How could someone be killed just for doing good?” they asked.

In the midst of tragedy, Rohan’s family stood firm. They continued following Jesus with unwavering faith. Their witness deeply impacted those around them. Slowly, villagers who had once been indifferent or unaware began to ask questions. They attended trainings, engaged in Bible discovery groups, and some chose to follow Christ themselves—drawn by the powerful testimony of a family who had suffered greatly yet remained faithful.

*Shantha, Rohan’s daughter, has now taken up her father’s mantle. She is a bold disciple-maker and trainer, equipping others to carry the gospel forward. Her life is a living testimony of grace, courage, and the unstoppable love of God.

Many who have watched this family rise from sorrow are now compelled to know more about the God who gave them such strength. Who is this Jesus, they wonder, who turns mourning into mission and grief into grace?

Please pray for the villagers of this region—that more hearts would be stirred by the testimony of this family. Pray that Rohan’s legacy would continue to inspire boldness, and that their lives would remain a fragrant offering among those who are still far from Christ.

*pseudonym

RELATED STORIES

MAKING DISCIPLES DESPITE THEIR GRIEF
In January, tragedy struck a team in North India as they lost a key leader to a sudden brain hemorrhage. 
read more …

WOMEN IN INDIA FEARLESSLY SHARING THE GOSPEL
The Listening Movement held its first Women Leaders meeting last year where several women gathered to , read more …

FAITH ON WHEELS
*Mina, a woman from Delhi, works as a school bus driver. She is completely illiterate and comes from a low caste, yet her faith  read more …

He Didn’t Fight Back, He Prayed

He Didn’t Fight Back, He Prayed

Kush received Discovery Bible Study (DBS) training through one of our local teams. He began practicing DBS in his own home. The Scriptures came alive for him, transforming his heart and mind. Soon, Kush began boldly sharing what he was learning, both in his village and wherever he traveled. Eventually, he surrendered his life fully to Jesus.

But following Jesus came at a great cost for Kush. His decision sparked intense opposition and persecution. His brother-in-law, villagers, and even close family members turned against him. Yet Kush didn’t respond with anger or bitterness. Instead, he chose patience, love, and persistent prayer. He didn’t argue or retaliate. He simply showed them the love of Christ.

Today, Kush testifies that God has been his guide and strength through it all. Amazingly, many of the same people who once rejected him—who wouldn’t even sit beside him—now walk with him in love and fellowship. As he continues to share the good news of Jesus, lives are being changed. Some who hear his testimony are experiencing healing and miracles, and many are turning to faith.

Kush’s home has become a vibrant house church. Together, they rejoice in the Lord, their hearts full of joy and praise. As Kush puts it, “Truly, joy and gladness are found in the Lord—there is no one else.”

Pray for Kush, that he would keep pressing on and that the humble house church that began in his home will grow into a cascading movement.

*pseudonym

RELATED STORIES 

FROM BONDAGE TO BLESSING
Our teammate in South Asia, shared this testimony of new disciple, Rishika*: “Since I began listening to read more

GOD’S WORD CROSSING BORDERS
*Bilal shared with his friend *Rohan how God’s Word was transforming his life. Rohan was so moved that he… read more

A JOURNEY DARKNESS TO LIGHT
*Chakir and his family met *Nuh, who is serving in South Asia, when he visited their village. During his visit,  read more

From Bondage to Blessings

From Bondage to Blessings

Nuh*, our teammate in South Asia, shared this testimony of new disciple, Rishika*:

“Since I began listening to the Word of God on the mp3 player, my life has changed in ways I never imagined. I was once trapped in drug addiction. My days were marked by quarrels and anger, and my home was filled with tension and unrest.

But when I began hearing the Bible stories, something shifted in my heart. The power of God’s Word touched me deeply. I stopped using drugs. I stopped quarreling. Peace, security, and calm entered my home. God’s presence has brought blessings into my family life.

I am so grateful to the Lord, whose Word is transforming me day by day. I now encourage my friends and loved ones to listen as well, so they too can be blessed and receive eternal life.

Today my heart is full of joy. I thank God for His mercy. Through His precious Word, He is strengthening my faith, filling my home with happiness, and showering us with blessing!”

Praise God for the powerful work He is doing in Rishika’s life! Please pray for her as she continues to follow Jesus—that her faith would remain strong, and that her testimony would spark many new *Discovery Bible Study groups to form, leading more people into God’s kingdom.

*pseudonym

*Discovery Bible study is a simple, reproducible method for studying the Bible that focuses on asking questions to discover what a passage says about God, people, and how to obey it right away.

RELATED STORIES 

I AM READY
“I have some great news to tell you,” Job shared with Frank over the phone. “I’m ready to follow Jesus!” Thrilled to hear this good news, Frank invited Job and his wife Sarah over for dinner  read more …

GOD’S WORD CROSSING PROVINCIAL LINES
*Bilal shared with his friend *Rohan how God’s Word was transforming his life. Rohan was so moved that he  read more …

A JOURNEY DARKNESS TO LIGHT
*Chakir and his family met *Nuh, who is serving in South Asia, when he visited their village. During his visit, Nuh shared the good news of Jesus and invited Chakir  read more