Living the Gospel Daily - By HBI Global Partners
In a small community tucked away in the region of West Bengal, light is piercing through the darkness. At the heart of this transformation is Suriya, a courageous young woman and follower of Christ from an Islamic background, who committed her life to serving children and women at risk through the ministries of Hindustan Bible Institute (HBI). Suriya's journey of faith began when she encountered the love of Christ through a local church affiliated with HBI’s regional center. Her commitment to Jesus not only changed her life—it set her on a path to change the lives of many others.
Deeply burdened by the realities of child labor and trafficking in her community, Suriya stepped out in faith to engage with those most vulnerable. She soon discovered that many children were scavenging through garbage for food and had no access to education. Many young women in the same neighborhoods were at high risk of being trafficked into prostitution.
Though the initial days were challenging, Suriya’s unwavering faith and compassion opened hearts. With the help of HBI, she started a small tutorial class under a tree. In the evenings, after their day’s labor, children would gather as she taught them to read, write, and do basic math. Her creative teaching methods and gentle spirit drew more and more children, and soon, what began with 22 students grew to over 250. She invited three more young girls from the local church to join her to teach the children.
Transformation Rooted in Love
What made Suriya’s ministry stand out wasn’t just education—it was holistic transformation. She noticed that the children came unwashed, with matted hair and often used abusive language. With love and wisdom, she began teaching them about personal hygiene, providing soap, oil, and combs. She modeled and encouraged clean speech and kindness. Songs, prayers, and Bible stories became part of the rhythm of their time together.
Her genuine love earned her a special place in their hearts. The children affectionately began calling her “Didi”—sister. Many of them are now regular school students, thanks to her tireless efforts, and the community began to take notice. More than 80% of the children that come to the Hope center, are now enrolled in local schools.
A New Door Opens: Reaching the Mothers
As the transformation in the children’s lives became visible, curious mothers began visiting the center. What they witnessed was more than education—they encountered the tangible love of Christ. Moved by Suriya’s example, they invited her into their homes and opened up about their own struggles. Soon, several asked her to teach them to read, write, and manage basic finances.
Suriya began an adult literacy and discipleship program for the women—empowering them to hope again. One young widow, raising her son alone, found strength and purpose through Suriya’s mentorship. With encouragement and prayer, she started a small beauty parlour to support herself. Two months ago, she made the life-changing decision to follow Christ. Today, she is an active church member—just one of many testimonies of God’s work through this ministry.
A Bigger Picture: The Vision of HBI
Suriya’s story is just one thread in the larger tapestry of Hindustan Bible Institute’s vision. At HBI, we are committed to ensuring that every man, woman, boy, and girl in India has the opportunity to hear, understand, and respond to the Gospel—and be discipled into vibrant communities of believers.
In the past year alone, God has enabled HBI to see over 350,000 people respond to the Gospel, with more than 39,000 discipled and added to local churches. We give glory to God for enabling the planting of 1,641 churches across 14 states in the last 12 months, we are averaging 3 churches a day. Praise the Lord!
But our vision doesn’t end there. With over 900,000 members in 19,000 churches planted over the past 40 years, we long to see each believer living out the Gospel every day, beyond Sunday—in schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and homes.
The Lord is at work in India - Join us!
The mission field is ripe, and the time is now. As we press on to fulfill the Great Commission in our nation, we ask for your partnership—through prayer, encouragement, and engagement.
Pray that more “Suriya stories” will emerge across India. Pray for every church and believer to rise up as salt and light in their context. And above all, pray that our land will be discipled to Jesus Christ—from the smallest village to the biggest city.
“Let all people praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. Let the nations be glad and sing for joy” Psalm 67:3&4