JONESBORO – “It presents a great challenge,” admits Dalip Kumar on the recent consecration of the Hindu temple in Riverdale. “I don’t worry about it though, because the Lord is with me.”

Kumar, pastor of Asian Indian Baptist Church in Jonesboro since January 2003, says it’s important for Georgia Baptists to rise to the challenge of sharing their faith with Hindus open to dialogue.

“Ethnics need the gospel,” he says. “People come here to earn money. While they are here, the church’s primary responsibility should be to reach them.”

 

Cultures cultivating

“One out of every six people in the world are Indian,” adds Kumar, who came from New Delhi to America. “At some point it is a good chance everyone will come into contact with a person of this culture.”

One stereotype Georgia Baptists must overcome is that Asian Indians feel they are only befriended to be converted and there is no desire to meet deeper needs, says Kumar.

Georgia Baptists have a longterm commitment to reaching the state’s Asian Indian population for Christ.

For 22 years Norma Charles has been planting churches among the metro Atlanta area’s 50,000 Asian Indians. In addition to Jonesboro, churches have been established in Marietta and Decatur, with one preparing to meet at First Lilburn. She also produces a weekly radio show delivered in the Hindustani language common to her native India.

“Much work goes into preparing for a new ministry,” she says. “It’s important to make demographic studies, conduct surveys, and gather small groups together for worship and fellowship.”

Her ministry is supported through gifts to the Cooperative Program and state missions offering.

 

Support for here and there

Jerry Baker, specialist with Language Missions Ministries of the GBC, states how the Riverdale temple’s construction reflects the growing number of Asian Indian immigrants to the Atlanta area.

“The growth spurt can be linked to jobs. People who are highly qualified in the medical and computer fields are being recruited by U.S. businesses,” he says.

Baker says that most of the population is moving toward North Dekalb, Gwinnett, and Cobb counties as well as the Roswell area, leading to more needs for outreach.

Kumar’s 35-member church was started in September 2002 and meets in the chapel of First Jonesboro. In addition to reaching out to Asian Indians here, both congregations are active in supporting ten churches in Kumar’s native India.

“I am really thankful for the support Georgia Baptists have given to this mission,” he says. “Knowing this gives me peace of mind and helps me to serve God.”

Kumar adds that helping the ministry can start with contacting him at (770) 603-3294 and providing information of people of Asian Indian heritage living in the Jonesboro area. Monetary gifts for the churches in India are welcome.

“A pastor in India can be supported on $2 a day,” he says.