Indian Missionary Society
Constrained by the love of Christ, a dynamic young man – Vethanayagam Samuel Azariah (who was destined to become the internationally acclaimed Bishop Azariah of Dornakal) shared his God-given vision with likeminded colleagues – 20 laymen and 8 clergymen who wore out their knees and poured out their hearts in prayer.
Their vision has led, in God’s providence, to a massive mission through the Indian Missionary Society born on 12th February 1903. The Indian Missionary Society as the first indigenous missionary movement, has a mission to fulfill among the most oppressed and downtrodden communities in the Tribal Belts of India. The Society gives Gospel to those communities with love, both by words and deeds.
It uplifts the poor in their 90 mission fields spread over 15 states in India by giving them schooling and medical care. Efforts are made to liberate these downtrodden people from oppression, poverty and superstitions and to enable them see the Light. Saving faith has to be complimented with serving love. The Indian Missionary Society does this with dedication and commitment.
Goal and Guidelines
The Bible is the base. The Holy Spirit is the power. Fortified with prayer and faith, the goal of IMS is to win India for Christ, using Indian personnel, Money and Management.
Mode of Operation
To work in close co-operation with local Churches promoting and assisting them in their missionary enterprise
To promote local leadership for the Church’s outreach
To proclaim the Gospel of Christ
To teach the word of God to the enquirers
To build schools where there is a requirement
To build Churches and Prayer Houses in neglected sector with no motive of becoming a Church ourselves
To build Hostels for tribal students
To help and re-habilitate the poor
To render medical aid where no facilities are available.
Facts and Figures
| States Covered | 16 |
| Full time Missionaries | 509 |
| Extension Centres | 95 |
| Worshipping Groups | 290 |
| Active Churches | 165 |
| Tribal Converts | 52,000 |
| Villages covered | 37,000 |
| Schools | 6 |
| Tribal Hostels | 17 |
| Tribal Students | 1,000 |
| Health Centres | 6 |
| Rehabilitation Centre | 4 |
Need
It is estimated that a sum of Rs. 37.5 million is needed this year to maintain these activities. IMS looks up to God alone who prompts His children to provide us with this amount.
Magazine
“The Missionary Intelligencer” (published in Tamil, English & Hindi) is a monthly magazine IMS carrying the field news.
Centenary Vision (2002 – 2003)
| Missionaries: | 1996-97 | 2002-03 |
|---|---|---|
| Home Based | 158 | 350 |
| Local evangelists | 275 | 700 |
| States Covered | 12 | 21 |
| Fields | 12 | 25 |
| Mission Extension Centres | 80 | 160 |
| Villages | 25,000 | 7,000 |
| Active Churches | 120 | 350 |
| Worshipping groups | 200 | 700 |
| Believers | 40,000 | 1,00,000 |
| Hostels | 17 | 28 |
| Tribal hostel students | 700 | 1,400 |
| Health centers | 4 | 25 |
| Schools | 5 | 14 |
| Missionary Training Centres | 0 | 2 |
| Gospel Translation in Tribal languages | 4 | 7 |
| Diocese formation | 1 | 4 |
| Industrial Training Centres | 0 | 25 |
| Support: | ||
| Branches | 46 | 140 |
| Prayer cells | 350 | 1,400 |
| IMS Festival sales | 70 | 140 |
| PGO / Area leaders | 210 | 350 |
| Life members | 9,000 | 35,000 |
| Donor members | 11 | 500 |
| Magazine – Tamil | 14,000 | 42,000 |
| English | 1,400 | 7,000 |
| Hindi | - | 800 |
| Promotional centers | 7 | 21 |
| Promotional Centre in charges | 7 | 21 |
| Promotional Assistants | 11 | 45 |
| Hundi Boxes | 2000 | 7000 |
| Vision camps in a year | 7 | 42 |
| Budget (Rs. in million) | 150 | 875 |
Contact Address :
Rev. J. Kingsly John
General Secretary,
Indian Missionary Society,
107, Trivandrum Road,
Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli – 627 002
Phone : +91(462)2502999 (Res) 2502614 (Off)