Historically, the Church in India has focused on two types of ministry: mercy ministry (ministry of love), and evangelism (ministry of faith). Through mercy, we have attempted to meet the felt needs of the oppressed by feeding and educating the poor, and caring for the widows, the orphans and the beggars. Through faith, we’ve focused on sharing the Good News of faith in Christ. However, we have not concentrated effort on another type of ministry-- social justice, which is the ministry of hope. We haven’t fought for human dignity. Very few churches in India speak out against caste, or speak for the rights of Dalits (untouchables) and Other Backward Castes (OBCs). Despite all the good works of love and faith, millions of oppressed are still oppressed, even those who follow Jesus.

Truthseekers, however, is taking on this ministry of hope. We have committed ourselves to walk alongside Dalit and OBC leaders, to help them find a voice in the political process, and to help them obtain freedom from caste. Christ came to set the captives free, and to give abundant life, which, despite what the old hymns say, is not just for the "sweet by and by,” but is also for now.

The premise of our ministry of hope is this-- God has been revealing Himself throughout India’s history. Truthseekers is simply pointing out to the peoples of India that God has been, and currently is, here in India revealing Himself, His purposes, and His plans. Truthseekers seeks to recognize the historical and existing work of God in India, and to work alongside Him to bring the Kingdom of God to India now.

Through intensive research, Don Richardson declared there are clear revelations of the One True God in hundreds (probably thousands) of past and present cultures throughout the earth. Paul’s preaching to the Athenians in Acts 17:22-31 is one demonstration of this truth.

These revelations of God, or cultural keys, are being used by Truthseekers to point leaders of oppressed castes to the One True God. These keys include (among others) a poet from the 1500’s named Kabir, an Indian social reformer from the 1800’s named Mahatma Jotirao Phule, and a modern social reformer named Baba Saheb Ambedkar. These revelations of God are intrinsic to the culture and history of India, and they point directly to Christ. Following Jesus doesn't mean one has to become non-Indian, or follow a non-Indian god. Following Jesus in India can be a wholly Indian experience!

Sunil Sardar and Thom Wolf, "The Truthseeker's Lifestyle," 2006.

Don Richardson, Eternity in their Hearts, Regal Books, 1984.

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