Gang Leader becomes a Church Planter

Meet Pastor Manoj Varma.

Once a feared gang leader in a remote region of eastern India, Manoj lived in hiding, rejected by his family and feared by his village. For over a decade, he ran with a violent crowd. But even in the darkness, he sensed something—or someone—was pursuing him.

Then came a turning point.

Suffering from a critical illness while hiding in the jungle, Manoj was visited by a local believer who offered to pray. During that simple prayer, Manoj felt an unseen hand touch his body—and in an instant, he was miraculously healed. That moment led him to Jesus. He gave his life to Christ and left the gang, despite intense pressure and threats.

His transformation stunned his village. Soon, his wife and parents came to faith. And when he opened his tiny 8x8-foot room for weekly worship, a house church was born. It didn’t take long before the gatherings grew and Manoj began reaching out to 12 neighboring villages.

But with growth came a challenge: no space for the new believers.

Manoj prayed. He offered his own land. He had no money, but God spoke:

“Begin the construction, and I will provide.”

And God did provide—through the generosity of local believers, a faithful donor named Sister Anjali Roy, and partners like you.

In 2025, the 73rd church building was completed and dedicated. Through Mission Catalyst International, and others, it now stands as a beacon of hope and transformation for a once-forgotten region.

But hundreds of other Manojs are still waiting.

Dozens of villages have no church. No pastor. No Gospel witness.

As you consider your year-end giving, we invite you to join Mission Catalyst International in building the next chapter of this Gospel movement. Your gift helps:

• Train and support indigenous leaders like Pastor Manoj
• Build churches in unreached areas across India
• Provide spiritual care and outreach in regions hostile to the Gospel
• 🥘Every $25 helps us to feed a small gathering hearing the Gospel the first time 

🎯 Every $75 helps us train a local lead

❤️ Every $100 helps us host house church 

📚 Every $200 helps to provide education to the children of the indigenous trainers who have committed their lives and lives of their families to sharing the gospel 

Every $1,000 provides for translated printed training materials and food for a phase 1 or 2 Master Training class of 25-40

🏠 Every $3,000 helps fund a new village church
💡 Every gift matters

Will you help us plant the next church in 2026?

“Begin the construction, and I will provide.”
— The words God spoke to Manoj… and the promise He keeps through people like you.

✅ Give your year-end gift today:

https://givebutter.com/GangleaderChurchplanter

🕊️ Let’s close this year strong—with a bold act of faith that brings the Gospel to unreached hearts in 2026.

Thank you for being a catalyst for change.

With deep gratitude,
Mission Catalyst International (MCI) Team