VARANASI - UTTAR PRADESH
Varanasi, one of many world’s oldest existing cities, is rightly called the spiritual capital of India. Also called Banaras or Kashi, this holy city is found in the southeastern area of the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India. It rests on the left bank of the sacred river Ganga (Ganges) and is among the seven sacred spots for Hindus. In the state only 0.13% of the population has been recorded as Christians, 50% of whom are Catholic.
Dinesh Kumar has a passion to share the good news among his own people to develop strong community of believers providing fellowship, love, acceptance and growth. Dinesh teaches and trainspeople discover God’s will for their lives and to help develop their God given gifts and talents thereby impacting the community at large with the love of God. |
Dinesh Kumar has pioneered for Gospel work in his own village Bariasanpur in the district of Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh. This village has over 300 families with absolutely no church or Christians presence. People here are mostly labourers in farms and few travel to Varanasi also called Banaras for weaving sarees. With God’s Grace and consistent effort a new church is established in the residence of Dinesh. Free tuitions for children, tailoring and beautician training for women have also benefitted many young people. Dinesh also works in many villages namely Tharaiya, Newada, Asshapur, Ramchandipur, Hirdaypur and Sankarpur.
There are threats and oppositions from local extremist political groups, so gathering everyone from these villages in one place is difficult. Yet, the believers are actively sharing their faith in their contexts and the Lord is adding new members to the church every day. Pray that Dinesh would have the courage to continue their work no matter what fears Satan throws on his way. |