The answer? An amazing church planter.

I am travelling now in rural India. My guide is Dr. Suku Thomas, the former Hindu-Communist-now-native-Christian-missionary answer to my riddle.

Suku grew up in a Hindu family, like everyone else in his village. His intelligence and drive caught the attention of the country’s Communist party and they recruited him to be a community organizer and labor strike leader.

He was not sure what compelled him to walk into the back of that church service, but he walked out with a new heart and new calling.

Because his new relationship with Jesus Christ was offensive to his family and community, he was excommunicated from his family and friends. A generous Christian paid his way to Bible college. He went on to earn a PhD in theology. Along the way he met his wife, Jesse, who holds a master’s degree in ministry.

After their schooling was completed, they spent 19 years evangelizing among the Koya people in the province of Andhra Pradesh. During that time they planted 20 churches. Now, they lead a young movement of indigenous church planters. They have trained, sent out, and continue to support 14 of these dedicated believers.

I am impressed by their vision, commitment, and how well they execute their plans. When I return to the US, their organization will be the first one Worldlink sets up partnerships with through the Focus India initiative.