In late 2024, we received an invitation to minister to pastors and leaders in five cities across the state of Maharashtra—Chandrapur, Vani, Gadchiroli, and Gondia. At first, we were quite skeptical. The organizers’ assured us of no fewer than 300 pastors and leaders at each conference, but given the spiritual landscape of Maharashtra—largely considered a “not-so-evangelized” region—we were unsure of what to expect. Despite our doubts, we felt a strong sense of purpose and pressed on, committed to sharing the life-transforming truths of God's Word through the teachings of Derek Prince Ministries (DPM).
Our journey began in Chandrapur, a familiar place for us. Having ministered there before, we were met with a warm welcome and a group of over 200 pastors and their spouses, alongside approximately 100 church leaders. The hunger and receptivity of the attendees were deeply encouraging. We taught on the theme of “The Rod of God”, focusing on the authority believers have in Christ. For many, this was a completely new revelation. Leaders who had spent years in ministry expressed how this teaching shifted their understanding of prayer and spiritual warfare.
One young pastor testified,
“As someone fairly new to ministry, I have always been taught to pray about everything. For me, prayer often meant continuously asking God for things. However, today I received a powerful key to overcoming struggles in my Christian walk. I learned that we are not just called to ask but to stand in our God-given authority and take hold of what is rightfully ours. Thank you for placing this precious key in my hands!”
This marked the beginning of a visible release in the spirits of the pastors. The word began to spread about the conferences, and attendance in the subsequent cities grew rapidly.
In Vani, the turnout exceeded expectations with nearly 400 pastors and leaders. The spiritual hunger was palpable. Here, and in the remaining cities, we taught on “The Divine Exchange”, understanding that for many, this was their first in-depth exposure to the message of the Cross through the lens of DPM teachings. Each session laid a clear foundation of what Jesus accomplished on the Cross—eight powerful exchanges that remain vital to the Christian life and ministry.
In Gadchiroli, the numbers more than doubled, with over 600 in attendance. The testimonies were both humbling and inspiring. One pastor shared,
“I came to the conference with many questions and a faith that was deeply challenged. Through today’s teaching, God answered every single question. Thank you for faithfully bringing the message of the cross and reviving my faith.”
Another leader expressed,
“Today’s teaching challenged me to shift my trust from earthly resources to the Father in heaven, just as Jesus did. This profound truth about relying on the supernatural has deeply impacted me.”
Our final conference in Gondia was a true outpouring of God’s grace. Close to 1,000 pastors and leaders attended, and we received nearly 800 written feedback forms, each echoing the deep impact of the Word shared. It was a powerful culmination of the journey, with a sense that God had stirred something fresh in this region.
The importance of these meetings cannot be overstated. Many of these pastors and leaders oversee large congregations but have little to no formal Bible training. This lack often results in stunted spiritual growth within their churches. The teachings they received during these conferences not only revived their personal faith but equipped them with sound doctrine to take back to their congregations. One leader who had attended the Chandrapur conference remarked:
“Having attended the Chandrapur conference, I traveled to Gadchiroli for further teaching, and I was not disappointed. The vivid presentation of the eight exchanges Jesus made on the cross is vital for our times. I am committed to sharing this teaching widely.”
What began with uncertainty turned into a testimony of God’s faithfulness and the power of His Word. Across all four cities, we witnessed a rising wave of spiritual hunger and a readiness to grow deeper in the things of God. This outreach affirmed our call and commitment to continue bringing solid biblical teaching and resources to pastors and leaders in every corner of India.
These journeys are not easy—they are long, often tiring, and filled with logistical challenges. Yet, the fruit we witnessed in Maharashtra is a resounding reminder of why we do what we do. The Word of God is alive and active, and when shared faithfully, it brings transformation at every level—personal, congregational, and regional. We thank God for the open doors and for each life that was touched, empowered, and equipped through these meetings.
To God be the glory!
