Multiply Abroad: Making Space for the Gospel in South Asia

Nestled on the southwestern coast of India, Kerala is famously known as “God’s Own Country.” This stunning state is adorned with lush landscapes, serene backwaters, and vibrant cultures, making it a visual feast for the senses. Over the past two decades, Kerala has also seen a significant influx of migrant workers from northern India, drawn to its thriving industries—from tea and rubber plantations to pineapple groves—where they can earn more than in their home states. This migration has positioned Kerala as a key trade hub and vacation destination in South India.

However, the journey isn’t all smooth sailing. The political landscape here is fraught with challenges, including unrest, persecution, and corruption. Despite these hurdles, Kerala boasts a rich Christian heritage, believed to be one of the first regions visited by Saint Thomas two millennia ago. This historical significance makes the church’s mission here not only vital and safer, but also deeply rooted in tradition.

Dani Abraham, a Multiply Catalyst and founder and leader of Grace on a Thousand Hills, a  discipleship and church planting organization in Rwanda.

Dani Abraham, a pastor and teacher based in Kerala, has committed himself to establishing The Equipping Center, a discipleship training center to equip leaders who will multiply disciples, train new leaders, and plant churches across Kerala.

The Equipping Center provides a place where missionaries, pastors, and leaders can find rest, renewal, and training before returning to their communities. Through initiatives like garment production for migrant workers, the center generates income to support its operations and expand its reach. These ventures are not just economic but also missional, serving as platforms to share the gospel while addressing community needs. The integration of hosting the “Christian Training Network”, a hybrid Bible college, further enhances its impact, providing leaders with accessible, high-quality theological education.

The Approach to Raising Up Leaders in India

India’s population of 1.4 billion people represents an incredible diversity of faiths and cultures. Predominantly Hindu, with Islam as the second-largest religion, India’s religious pluralism requires a thoughtful and contextualized approach to sharing the Gospel. Church planting here is not just about starting churches; it’s about raising up leaders who will empower others to share the message of Christ.

To address these challenges and position Kerala as a hub for Gospel movements, Dani spearheaded the establishment of The Equipping Center. This center serves as a sanctuary for new believers, missionaries, and church planters. Here, leaders receive support, revitalization, and high-quality training before returning to their communities equipped to make a lasting impact. The training center reflects Dani’s holistic approach to leadership development. Combining intellectual, emotional, personal, and spiritual growth, the center empowers individuals to thrive in their mission fields. Its curriculum includes the “Four Fields” church planting method, which draws on Jesus’ movements in Scripture, equipping leaders to develop biblically sound and contextually relevant strategies.

How You Can Help: Pray with Us

Please join us in praying for Rwanda during this time of uncertainty. Pray for wisdom for church leaders like Bonnie, that they would have discernment on how to lead their congregations. Pray for favor with local authorities and for provision to meet these new regulations. Most importantly, pray that the gospel would continue to spread, and that this season of difficulty would lead to a stronger, more resilient church in Rwanda. Join our team at Multiply in praying for these specific areas:

• Pray for the work in Kerala: Pray for Dani, the training center, and the leaders being equipped to spread the Gospel across India. Pray for protection, wisdom, and for hearts to be open.

• Support The Equipping Center: Partner with us financially to help complete construction at the training center and sustain the education programs utilized to train leaders.

• Spread Awareness: Share Dani’s story with your community to encourage prayer and support for the work in Kerala.

By partnering with leaders like Dani, we are investing in a future where disciples, leaders, and churches multiply across South Asia, bringing hope and transformation to communities still waiting to hear the Gospel. Together, we can be part of this movement—fulfilling God’s call to make disciples of all nations.

— The [multiply] team