SEND! magazine Second Quarter 2007:
Called to the Hills: Ministry in Meghalaya
Reaching the top of the hill, Jameson Kharmuji catches his breath. He looks across the horizon, then down at the villages below, lifts his hands toward heaven, and begins to pray for them.
Jameson is 64 years old, and it's not becoming any easier for him to climb the hills of Meghalaya (meg-ah-LAY-ah), which he travels daily to reach his place of ministry. But a love for the lost burns brightly in his heart, and he cannot stay put.
Reaching out in this unique Indian state he calls home, Jameson has started a church and four fellowship groups—and his earnest prayer is that the Lord's kingdom will continue to grow. Jameson's wife and children also share his burning desire to reach the people of their beloved Meghalaya.
At the Heart of a Family
About Meghalaya
Commonly referred to as the "Scotland of the East," Meghalaya is known for its hills, lush forests, lakes and waterfalls. Heavy annual rainfall in the state-as much as 429 inches in some parts-makes it one of the wettest places on earth. Its moderate climate and moist, fertile soil nurture a smorgasbord of crops, including mandarin oranges, cashews, pineapples and bananas. About 85 percent of Meghalaya's people belong to tribal groups. As far back as 1895, when the area was annexed to British India, missionary activity was encouraged among the tribes. Today, Meghalaya is said to be more than half Christian (64.6 percent), yet many of those who call themselves Christian show little hunger for true spiritual growth. A number of Meghalayans practice animism (spirit worship), and the Hindu and Muslim population (14.7 and 4 percent, respectively) has been largely untouched with the Gospel, according to Operation World. Standing in the front of the church her father, Jameson, has planted, Sangeeta leads a group of children in worship. The children enter energetically into the songs and listen attentively as Sangeeta shares with them from God's Word. A student at the Gospel for Asia women's Bible college in Meghalaya, Sangeeta also leads Sunday school for the children at her father's church. She looks forward to serving the Lord full-time.
"I want to obey the Lord wherever He sends me and do the work He has for me," Sangeeta shares.
Gabriel, Jameson's oldest son, serves full-time as a GFA native missionary in a nearby village and regularly joins his father on outreach. Another son helps lead services at Jameson's church and is actively involved with the youth.
Other grown children in the family have their own businesses but help out with the ministry as well.
To have their children involved with him in serving the Lord is an answer to the prayers of Jameson and his wife, Grace, who is also a wonderful support to his ministry. Grace often joins her husband for outreach, and she coordinates the GFA Women's Fellowship meetings for their church, often nourishing these women from God's Word.
"She has helped me very much spiritually," Jameson shares, "and she prays for me."
Twice a day, Jameson and his wife have family devotions in their home. During these times they join their hearts in prayer, not only for their children and church believers, but also for those in Meghalaya who still need Jesus.
A Prayerful Foundation, a Mutual Call
The prayers of Jameson and his family are joined by the rest of Gospel for Asia's missionaries and leaders serving in Meghalaya. They gather for corporate intercession and fellowship once a month to encourage one another and intercede for needs on their mission field.
Through these times of prayer, the Lord has brought rapid growth: GFA's work in Meghalaya started in July 2004, with 16 dedicated Christians undergoing several months of intensive training before engaging in full-time ministry to their people. Today, through the prayers and outreach of these 16 missionaries, 26 new churches have been started, along with a number of small fellowship groups.
GFA operates four Bridge of Hope centers in Meghalaya, where 420 children are receiving help with their studies and hearing the Gospel—and at least four of their families have opened their lives to God's love.
Integral to GFA's ministry in the state are its two Bible colleges, where nearly 100 men and women are in training. The three-year program will equip these students for full-time ministry specificially within the Meghalayan culture. They are learning through not only their classes, but also regular times of weekend outreach in nearby villages that provide ample opportunity to practice what they are learning. Discipleship groups spur on growth and fellowship, and special retreats are set aside for prayer and worship.
The first Bible college graduates will move out to the mission field this year, joining Jameson Kharmuji and the entire GFA family in Meghalaya. Sustained and encouraged by a God-given compassion for their people, they too will travel across this hilly state, encouraging their fellow believers and reaching more Meghalayans with the Good News. Jameson sums up their mutual call:
"To win souls to Christ and see them serve Him according to God's Word-that is my vision."
To learn more about how God is moving in Meghalaya and GFA's work there, go to www.gfa.org/send.
Meghalaya: Quick Facts
- One-third forest
- Languages commonly spoken: Garo, Khasi, English
- Population: slightly more than 2 million
- Common problems among the youth: drug abuse and dropping out of school
Pray for GFA's Ministry in Meghalaya
- Pray for the Lord to revive the hearts of lukewarm Christians in Meghalaya and for unity between all denominations within the Body of Christ.
- Pray for the Lord's blessings on the Bible college students who will soon graduate and begin full-time missionary work.
- Pray for the Meghalayans who still need to hear of the hope Jesus offers.
- Pray for daily encouragement, nourishment from God's Word and continued fruitful outreach for Pastor Jameson and the other missionaries in Meghalaya.
