First Sabbath Offering

Archaeological evidence indicates that as early as 2600 b.c., the highly urbanized Indus civilization already inhabited the subcontinent known today as India. The main religious influence here has long been Hinduism (79.8%), followed by Islam (14.2%), Christianity (2.3%), Sikhism (1.7%), and others. While reports exist of some contact with the SDA Reform Movement from the 1920’s and 1950’s, it was in 1987 that North India was first represented officially at the SDARM General Conference delegation session.

The southernmost state in India—Tamil Nadu—is considered a powerhouse both in industry and agriculture. The Lord’s work has been established here for many years, but serving the vast population of over 72 million in this state, there is need for broader outreach.

According to the 2001 Indian census, the village of Pattiveeranpatti had a population of 7,744. Its average literacy rate is 83%, higher than the national average of 59.5% (favorable for literature).

The main source of livelihood here is coffee, followed by bananas, oranges, cardamom, pepper, and other spices. Pallapatti is a large village with a population of 13,701.

Since 1998, the tireless work of an evangelist from Periyaklam has helped increase the number of church members especially in these two areas. Various challenges have made it very difficult to survive in the rented houses, so at this stage, the brethren in the villages of Pattiveeranpatti and Pallapatti need their own places for worship.

The Spirit of Prophecy specifically mentions India as a place where “[m]illions upon millions have never so much as heard of God or of His love revealed in Christ. It is their right to receive this knowledge. They have an equal claim with us in the Saviour’s mercy.”—Education, p. 263.

Therefore we respectfully request our brethren and sisters worldwide to offer your generous support to build lighthouses for the Lord to shine here. “With the work of advocating the commandments of God and repairing the breach that has been made in the law of God, we are to mingle compassion for suffering humanity. We are to show supreme love to God; we are to exalt His memorial.”—Welfare Ministry, p. 32. Thank you, and may the Lord bless the gifts and givers!

Your brothers and sisters from Pattiveeranpatti and Pallapatti