Missionaries

Dave and Leoni Painter

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

On returning to Cambodia at the beginning of 2010, Dave and Leoni moved into new spheres of ministry. Dave's focus is in publishing Christian resources in Khmer - especially translating the Moore College Preliminary Theological Certificate (PTC) course notes and the New Bible Dictionary - so as to provide resources for Cambodian pastors, teachers and Christians in their own language. Leoni began teaching English in a local university, and through this, involved herself in the student Christian ministry and witness on the campus. Her aim is to encourage and support Christian students in their witness on the campus, comprising some 4,000 students.

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India Gospel League

"Adopted Village", Sirumalai

The Adopt-a-Village (AAV) program concerns itself with the holistic development of neglected populations in remote and inaccessible areas of India. The AAV program covers five broad areas--evangelism and church planting, child care, health care, rural development, and administration, in this order.

Sirumalai is a village 20 kilometers outside of Dindigul, a town in southern India. In Sirumalai, Pastor Paulraj is ministering to the people through the gospel of Christ. Amidst strong oppositions, Pastor Paulraj's witnessful life, effective preaching of the gospel and intentional discipleship of new believers has resulted in the establishment of a church of forty two believers. In 2007, the village was adopted by St. Albans Church, Australia in partnership with India Gospel League through its "Adopt-A-Village" initiative. From then on the church became the channel for transforming the whole community. Over the past three years, the child care initiatives in Sirumalai have been providing holistic care for over 175 children through daycare center, evening study centers and a school. Through the establishment of six Women's Transformation Groups, ninety six women are now receiving training on healthcare and socio-economic development. Skill training, literacy programs, and micro-loans for micro-business development are providing opportunities to both men and women to sustain their lives. Pastor Paulraj testified, "We have got immense support from the people for all the programs. People participated voluntarily in all our endeavors and partner with us to transform the whole community. Above all, the gospel of Christ touches hearts".