In the footsteps of William Carey
Neeraj with his fiancé Hannah
Neeraj ministers in Calcutta, Carey's first missionary home in India. Today, there are 415 unreached people groups in this vast city of 15 million inhabitants. What brought Neeraj to share the gospel there?
“I was born and raised in a Hindu family in India. While on a business trip to the UK in 2007, feeling overwhelmed with the financial burden of caring for my widowed mother and young brother, I went to the evening service at a chapel in London. God met with me at this service and I left feeling a sense of hope and joy that I had not experienced before. A sudden change at work, however, resulted in me reporting to an abusive and insecure superior who made life very difficult for me. To cope with the stress and abuse, I turned to worldly vices.”
“Only the Word of God ministered in the power of the Holy Spirit can bring revival to the city and reformation to the church.”
“Around this time a friend invited me to church. I went and kept going back and began to explore the Scriptures. The more I delved into God’s Word, the more I realised that my struggles had nothing to do with a difficult boss or the fight to achieve success, but with my sin and need for forgiveness.”
Neeraj was baptised and welcomed into a local church, where he served faithfully for many years. When his work led him to the city of Pune, Neeraj and two other believers were involved in a pioneering church plant, which will be 4 years old this month. During the 2019 pandemic, Neeraj returned to Calcutta, his hometown. “Calcutta is wrought with spiritual darkness. Only the Word of God ministered in the power of the Holy Spirit can bring revival to the city and reformation to the church.” Neeraj conducts Bible studies every Tuesday and Saturday at a local church and evangelises to Hindus throughout the city. Together with other believers, Neeraj is preparing to plant further churches in Calcutta and across West Bengal.
The challenge is great. In Calcutta alone, there are 415 unreached people groups. With over 70% of the vast city living below the poverty line, the spiritual and physical needs are dramatic. In a city dominated by idolatry, Neeraj longs to bring the light of the gospel.
Partnering with Neeraj
Neeraj has joined Westminster's Master of Divinity course to prepare for future ministry. Starting January 2023, he has registered for 5 courses in his first term, entailing roughly 140 classroom hours. He will be supporting himself financially throughout, but we are asking supporters to partner with him in raising £1890.00 towards his tuition fees. If you are not able to donate the full amount, even a portion given by many will meet this need.
