How long have you been living in India?

14 years. I landed in Nagaland for the first time on February 1, 1994 along with my wife Zhepitoli and our daughter Victoria, who was only 2 years old at the time.


Has the Indian Government ever given you trouble because of your ministry?

Generally speaking, no. I have not experienced the hardships that others face for three main reasons: First of all, because my wife is an Indian citizen. Even if the Government of India uses the old anti-colonial argument, “We don’t want foreigners bringing their religion to our country!” yet my wife is not a foreigner and she has a constitutional right to serve God as a Christian. And since my wife has that right, it would be hard to argue that her husband doesn’t have that same right. One of our church members is involved in politics. He told me that he met L. K. Advani, the leader of the pro-Hindi BJP party. He asked Advani, “Would you object to a foreigner working in Christian ministry here in India if his wife is an Indian citizen?” Advani answered, “Well, in that case its okay.”


The second reason is because Nagaland is considered a “Christian state”. We all know that there is no such thing as a “Christian state” but the majority of the people in Nagaland do consider themselves Christians. So no one can argue that I’m importing some “foreign religion”. Christianity has been in Nagaland for more than 125 years. (See our article “How the Nagas became Christians”) In my opinion within India, regardless of what the Central Government says, the local government usually has the last say. Since all the Nagas claim to be Christians, they have no objection to our ministry.


The third reason is simply this: God has called me to be there and He has given me favor with those in authority. And really, that’s the answer.


Do you see yourself living in Nagaland for the rest of your life?

Whether I will spend the rest of my life in Nagaland I can’t say, this is in God’s hands. Personally, I don’t think so. I think there will come a day when I will leave. However, we have no plans to leave. Almost everyone I met back in 1994 asked me “How long will you be here.” When I told them I was going to live permanently in Nagaland, most of them laughed and said it was impossible. But that was 14 years ago.


Who takes care of the church while you visiting America during the summer?

We’ve taken the time to invest in our leaders. We have trained and develop key people in each area of the church. We have a full-time staff of eight people and most of our church members are involved in helps ministry. My associate pastor does most of the preaching in my absence and along with my wife.


Do you ever regret that you left your family’s business to go into the ministry?

No. Working in the family care dealership was good experience and I learned many things. However, I knew that God had called me to the ministry and I have no regrets. My father sold the dealership several years ago and has since retired.


Where does most of your support come from?

All of our support comes from our partner churches and individual donors. (For more information about our finances, click here.)


What do you see as the greatest spiritual need for the people of northeast India?

Knowledge. There are many nominal Christians in Nagaland and in other parts of northeast India. The Nagas are proud of their Christian heritage but sadly, the majority of them are not even sure of their salvation. There was an outpouring of the Holy Spirit back in the 1970’s throughout Nagaland. But because of lack of teaching the movement was eventually derailed. Our main purpose is to help transform nominal Christians into victorious believers.


There are many churches in Nagaland; every village has at least one and every town has one for each of the tribes living there. However, I personally do not consider most of these churches to be evangelical (what I mean is, they don’t have a clear and Biblical understanding of the New Birth) and very few of them are have a correct and Scriptural understanding of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues.


Why do you come back to the States every summer?

Primarily to get a break from living in India. The summers can be brutally hot and unbearably humid and not much gets done during that time. I think its a good idea to come back and be renewed and encouraged. Living in a so-called “developing country” especially a remote place like Nagaland can take a toll on you after a while.


Another reason I come back is to visit with our partner churches. We depend on their financial support and being back helps to strengthen our relationship with them.


Do you charge a minimum amount for speaking in churches? How does that work?

I never make any financial demands on anyone. My primary reason for ministering in a church is to be a blessing to the congregation and its pastor. I usually mention something about the work we’re doing, but I don’t spend the whole time making an appeal for money. In fact, I have never done that and never will. I endeavor to share the Word of God and deliver the message the Lord has given me.


However, I do have to support myself and my family. And while I don’t preach just to make money, I don’t want to go in the hole (although that has definitely happened). I request that AFTER I have had an opportunity to minister (and not before) that an offering be received for our ministry. Some churches prefer to give an honorarium, but if the pastor receives an offering then the people can be led by the Holy Spirit in their giving. If the church gives an honorarium, then the amount is locked in.


I would expect that the church would provide accommodations, if necessary and to reimburse me for travel expenses if I have to fly. I think it is best to have a clear understanding of these matters before the meeting is scheduled.


I am willing to go to any church that believes the Bible and preaches the gospel, regardless of size, location, or affiliation.

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