In 1973, a visionary leader named Prakash Guruputra and his wife Susheela embarked on a journey as a missionary to India, armed with deep faith and burning desire to serve his community. Hailing from a small village in India he established a church planting ministry, children’s home for the needy, and Christian school, all of which had a profoundimpact on the community. Although Prakash passed away in the year 2000, his legacy lives on through the continued efforts of his son Prashant and wife Golda.

Prakash’s vision for the ministry was rooted in the gospel and transforming lives through education. By establishing a church planting ministry, he was able to provide a spiritual foundation in the community. He recognized the need foreducation at the very early stages of his ministry for growth and established Christian schools and children’s home. Today these schools have an enrolment of 1500 students.

In a church ministry, the role of a leader is fundamental. As we celebrate 50 years of ministry, it is crucial to reflect onthe necessity of effective leadership, the importance of honoring the past, and the significance of investing in the future. Guided by biblical principles and teachings, our journey through the years offers many lessons for the present and the future.

Leadership plays an important role in ensuring the sustainability of a ministry. It is not just about managing tasks or making decisions, it is a calling that requires a vison, humility, and servanthood. In the scriptures we find many leaderswho guided God’s people with wisdom and faith. Proverbs 29:2 reminds us that “When the righteous increase, thepeople rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan”. Today, Prashant and Golda continue to walk in Prakash’s footsteps upholding the values of education and spiritual growth, ensuring that their father’s work continues to impact lives.

Prashant and Golda have taken up the mantle and continue to invest their time, energy, and resources in the ministry.They understand the importance of adapting to the changing needs of the community while staying true to core values established. By nurturing the church planting ministry, the Christian schools, children’s home, and the Bible training institute, they are investing in the future of the community. They continue to bring the message of the gospel and quality education to those who need the most.

As we celebrate 50 years of BMAA work in India, it is important to look back with gratitude and reverence for the legacyof those who came before us. Hebrews 13:7 teaches us to “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the wordof God. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” The foundation laid by our predecessors has paved the way for our ministry to flourish and impact lives.

Through the challenges and triumphs faced in the last 50 years, we have learned lessons about perseverance, faithfulness, and the power of God. We acknowledge the sacrifices made, the prayers, the support and the vision cast by those who stood by this ministry from ground up.

Looking ahead to the next 50 years and beyond, the importance of investing in the future of our ministry cannot be overstated. Proverbs 16:3 reminds us , “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” By seeking God’s guidance and wisdom, we can seek his direction in which He is leading us and make choices that will bear fruit for generations to come. Equipping the next generations of leaders, reaching out to the community with love, compassion, and the gospel. As we prepare the next batch of leaders to pass the baton, we do so with great sense of responsibility, accountability, and hope, knowing that God’s faithfulness endures forever.