Beyond the 20-Hour Flight: How One Trip to India Changed My Life Forever

By Bill Marshall

When I boarded a plane in October 2023, I thought I was embarking on a "one and done" mission trip. I had heard the stories of the gospel spreading through Bangalore, of widows being cared for and orphans finding safety. I wanted to see it for myself—but I didn't expect the Lord to completely reshape my perspective on global ministry.

The Warmest Welcome in Bangalore

After a journey exceeding twenty hours, I stepped into the Bangalore airport—honestly the nicest I’ve ever seen—and was immediately met with the heart of India. Our partner of over twenty years, Dr. Ramesh Sagile, and a group of local pastors greeted our team from FBC Rogers with handshakes, hugs, and flowers.

From that first moment at the airport to our stay at the Liwa Hotel, the hospitality was a beautiful foreshadowing of the spirit we would encounter throughout the trip.

Hope in the Gold Fields

Our journey took us to the Kolar Gold Fields, a place marked by a difficult history. Years of arsenic use in gold processing left many families without fathers, resulting in a community with a high number of widows.

We had the privilege of:

• Providing Essentials: Distributing rice, lentils, and cooking oil to widows in need.
• House Church Services: Gathering in homes to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Witnessing Resilience: Seeing firsthand how God provides for the vulnerable through the local church.

"The Indian people are like people anywhere in the world. They need to hear the Gospel clearly presented. All of us are sinners in need of a Savior."

Empowering the Local Church

At the training center in Chikkaballapur, our focus shifted to equipping the leaders who do the work day in and day out. While Brian Stigall led theology training, Steve Ellis focused on church planting strategies.

A Note on the Orphanage: Many have asked about the orphanage at the center. While the Indian government has closed many Christian orphanages, we want to reassure our supporters: Every child has been placed in a loving Christian home. They continue to receive support and are thriving in Christian schools.

The Result: A Movement of God

What I witnessed wasn't just a mission project; it was a movement. Conservative estimates suggest over 15,000 people have responded to the call of Christ through Dr. Ramesh’s ministry—though seeing the fire in these pastors' eyes, I believe that number is just the beginning.

Since that first trip in 2023, I haven't been able to stay away. I have returned to India three times now.

How Will You Respond?

It is deeply humbling to be a small part of what God is doing in India. As you read this, I invite you to pray about your role in global missions.

• Are you a Goer? Is God calling you to step onto a plane?
• Are you a Sender? Is God calling you to fuel this work through resources?
• Are you a Warrior? We all can—and should—be prayer warriors for the pastors and families in Bangalore.