Paulus and Sumatha Thalathoti (of Plains Mennonite Church, Lansdale, PA) started Peace Proclamation Ministries International (PPMI), a Mosaic Conference Related Ministry, in 2011 by partnering with eight rural pastors in India. By 2018, there were about 40 pastors and spouses who attended their annual conference. This year, the group had doubled to over 80 pastors. The significant growth of the ministry through the years, particularly during the pandemic, is a testament to the devotion of the pastors and God’s work among PPMI.
Photo provided by PPMI
The ministry has also grown in its geographic reach. Over the last couple of years, PPMI has partnered with a handful of pastors from the Chhattisgarh state where persecution against Christians is more pronounced. The diversity and growing number of partners within the network over the past decade really stand out. The pastors are each connected with a regional group with whom they meet on a regular basis. The head pastor from each region corresponds regularly with Paulus to support each group’s needs. This network allows PPMI to quickly adapt to changing realities such as distributing food to those in particular need during the pandemic.
This year’s conference, the first since the start of the pandemic, was held at a new location which provided a more retreat-like atmosphere. Each night, Paulus and Caleb Benner, PPMI Board secretary, sat with one of the regional groups of pastors to hear their stories. Some face persecution from Hindu nationalists while others shared how leaders from mainline denominations with more resources attempt to lure their congregants away with certain benefits like a burial plot. A few shared their personal struggles with health or family.
Photo provided by PPMI
Photo provided by PPMI
Despite all the challenges, these pastors’ hearts are full of praise for the Lord, and they are eager to share the gospel of Jesus. In faith, new churches are being planted and existing churches are growing!
PPMI is so grateful for your prayers and support that have been essential to the expanding ministry. To learn more about what God is doing in India, the annual PPMI banquet is on Saturday, September 30 from 6-8pm at Souderton (PA) Mennonite Church.
The opinions expressed in articles posted on Mosaic’s website are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference. Mosaic is a large conference, crossing ethnicities, geographies, generations, theologies, and politics. Each person can only speak for themselves; no one can represent “the conference.” May God give us the grace to hear what the Spirit is speaking to us through people with whom we disagree and the humility and courage to love one another even when those disagreements can’t be bridged.