12/04/2021 India (International Christian Concern) – “It was a turning point in my ministry,” Pastor Daniel recently told International Christian Concern (ICC). A beneficiary of a livelihood project in India, Pastor Daniel now runs an auto-rickshaw as a taxi to support his ministry to the unreached.
Coming from a Hindu family, Pastor Daniel heard the Gospel for the first time when he felt hopeless and that his life had no purpose. After being inspired by the Christian message, he started sharing the Gospel with other people who also felt hopeless in his village.
As a rural evangelist, Pastor Daniel often struggled to provide for his family and support his ministry. When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down most of the world’s economy, the little support Pastor Daniel received from his ministry quickly dried up.
“There were times when the family did not have any food to eat,” Pastor Daniel told ICC. “I had been going though a very tough time when God opened the door for me to think about developing a small business to support my family and my ministry.”
In early 2021, ICC provided Pastor Daniel with the financial assistance he needed to start a small business. With these funds, Pastor Daniel purchased an auto-rickshaw. Pastor Daniel now uses the auto-rickshaw as a passenger taxi, transporting people from one village to another. The profits from this small business are enough to meet his family’s needs and support his ministry.
“I get opportunities to share the Gospel with passengers and I pray for them, if they are willing,” Pastor Daniel told ICC. “Eventually, I invite them to attend prayers or Sunday worship at my church.”
“During the day, I run the auto-rickshaw as a taxi,” Pastor Daniel explained. “In the evenings, I visit different villages with the youth of the church for ministry. The auto-rickshaw is a double blessing.”
Pastor Daniel has been leading his ministry for the last 12 years. Although it has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, he claims this has been the most fruitful time for his church.
“I really thank God for ICC,” Pastor Daniel said. “For the generosity and encouragement. Thank you so much!”
