Betsy and David Perkins serve God in India.  David is International Ministries' Country Director for India Mission.  He promotes mutual understanding and cooperation of Indian and American Baptist Churches.  Dave also oversees relief and development work in the country. 

Betsy coordinates the White Cross program of American Baptist Women's Ministries in India.  She is involved in the development of women's ministries and leadership. 

Together they give support and encouragement to Baptist partners in India with a particular focus on discipling and leadership development.

 

They write: A birthday is wonderful day for people all around the world.  On September 22, 2009, there was a birthday of new hope for many Baptist Churches in the state of Andhra Pradesh as almost 75 pastors were ordained in the presence of 1400 of their Baptist pastor colleagues who are part of the Baptist Convention of Telugu Churches (BCTC) in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.  It was a glorious day of singing, praising and celebrating the work that God has put before the 1475 pastors.  Betsy and I took part in the ceremonies with a short message and prayer of dedication.  The BCTC is committed to growing the body of Christ and needs more prayer support than ever.  There are nearly one million Telugu Baptists, but over a billion non-believers in India.

"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."  Mt 9:37-38

The need for more pastors is growing, but the schools for training them are few and not always accessible to those who want to be trained.  Men, women and youth are looking for places to study the word of God, so that they might be strong vessels to carry the Word to the millions who still need to hear the Good News.  

After the ordination ceremony, we met with some of the local church leaders. A young woman named V. Suhrulatha serves as a chaplain for the English language service at the Jewett Church.  She talked with me about a burning in her heart from the Holy Spirit for the need for a seminary/theological school for Telugu Baptists.  There was a young woman doctor who shared the need for simple laboratory equipment in the small clinic run by the church for Ongole’s poor population.  While we talked, a group of about 20 nursing students entered the church.  Their teacher asked us to pray for them.  The students, all young ladies, were excited to learn that Betsy was a nurse and were especially glad to have her pray over them for the exams they were taking.  We were blessed by being able to meet with these people and to hear their joys and concerns.  

• Pray for Betsy and David as they serve Christ in India by helping train leaders for the church.
• Pray for the newly ordained pastors as they give leadership to their churches,
• Pray for the training of future church leaders and for a seminary/theological school for Telegu Baptists.