For the past twelve years I have had the great joy of working with and mentoring Ashish and Kalpana who are now the Directors for ISOM in North India.

We have traveled together on many prayer journeys over the years, and they have become like my very own children. In fact, their eight-year-old daughter calls me Dadu which means grandpa in Hindi.

Ashish and Kalpana’s love for God and their heart for missions comes shining through every day. They have grown in maturity and wisdom, and God has given them great favor as they lead ISOM. Through them, literally thousands of people are being trained to be strong Christian leaders.

My travels to India have been decreasing as the native people are now doing much more of the ministry I had once been doing. Because of this I felt compelled by God to do for Ashish and Kalpana what Paul had done for Timothy. During the graduation ceremony in Punjab I called out Ashish and had him stand in front of me. I told him it was time for me to pass the baton of spiritual authority to him. In the same way Paul had laid hands on Timothy and imparted into him, I laid hands on Ashish and did the same.

It was a very powerful and emotional moment as we held each other, and tears came down our faces. That day Ashish and Kalpana received a new mantle of authority and leadership to advance the Kingdom of God in North India. I may not travel there as much in the years to come but we can be fully confident that the mission of planting churches amongst unreached people groups is in very good hands.

5 Rivers will continue to pray for and support Ashish and Kalpana as well as all of our ministry partners in North India who tirelessly advance the Kingdom of God. Thank you for standing with us in this continued endeavor to reach the lost through your support and prayers for ISOM training, transportation for pastors, building prayer/training centers, and any other needs on the field…we can’t do this without YOU!