monthly focus ~ Japan church partners with India ministry

JAPAN CHURCH PARTNERS WITH INDIA MINISTRY

Missionaries Phil and Debbie Melton have worked in Japan as church planters with EBM for 19 years.  God has used them in church development and establishing a camping ministry.  Not only have they had evangelism and discipleship ministries, but they have had much experience in construction of both the church as well as the camp.  Over the past few years, God is expanding the work of the church that Phil leads by giving the church family a vision for worldwide missions.  Phil along with church members and his family have gone to India and become acquainted with Dr. Kumar and his family who has started a Christian benevolence ministry to the poor called Eye Openers.  It’s goal is to help with people’s physical needs to open their eyes to their spiritual needs.  The ministry focuses on 4 specific areas:  Free medical clinics, Christian school education (over 100 students),  Pastors’ encouragement and fellowship and educational outreach (many pastors from the “untouchables” caste), and provision of material needs for the poor (clothing, roof repairs).    Dr. Kumar has very little outside support and for the past 7 years has sought to fund this ministry by himself.  Four years ago he had the opportunity to purchase a parcel of land to build a large building to house a new hospital, school, church, and residence.  Three years ago, construction began and for the past 2 years, the structure has been completed and the hospital and church area though not completely finished is being used.  Dr. Kumar entered the project with a solid financial plan and borrowed at 12%, but skyrocketing costs of building forced him to refinance in order to complete the hospital section.  He now has a private loan of 36%.  Over $18.00 a DAY goes to the interest payment.  The total debt load is $57,000. 

Phil Melton has seen first hand the fabulous ministry of evangelism and help that Dr. Kumar and the Christians are doing to reach out with God’s love to the poor in India.  Imagine how far this ministry could extend in help if it were not tied down with this debt.  It would be a terrible tragedy for this ministry to lose its property in foreclosure.   

The Meltons and their church along with other churches in Japan are seeking to help Dr. Kumar get out from under this debt so the Eye Opener ministry can focus on doing God’s work.

EBM extends an invitation to you to participate in this ministry through your tax-deductible gifts.  The Mission has opened an EYE OPENERS account.  Checks can be sent to EBM, PO Box 781438, Indianapolis IN 46278 or give online by visiting the website www.ebm.org  and click into Giving/Projects.  Designate your giving “Eye Openers Project.”