While evangelism remains the primary focus of our attention, Christ teaches us by example that we need to provide for the physical needs of the poor as well. MMS International supports the following social service programs in Southeast Asia:
- Healthcare: We operate free clinics offering healthcare to individuals who otherwise could not afford the services. Last year clinics were conducted in 57 villages and nearly 5000 patients were treated. Recently a major pharmaceutical company offered to donate medicine valued at more than one million dollars for distribution through these clinics. We anticipate substantial growth for this ministry in years to come.
- Schools: We operate five elementary schools. Grace Academy, located in Imphal, provides schooling for 650 students. Anshu Academy Siliguri, located in West Bengal state, has 230 students. Anshu Siliguri-2, also located in the city of Siliguri, has 20 more students. Anshu Academy Sikkim, has 57 students and Anshu Academy Nepal has 51 students. Altogether the total number of students being educated by the ministries of MMS International exceed one thousand children. This is important because many children accept Christ through education in these Christian schools. In addition, many parents also come to accept Christ as a result of their children's exposure to the gospel message.
- Orphanages: Four of the elementary schools also have an orphanage component. At the Grace Academy there are presently 102 orphans. Anshu Academy Siliguri has 26 orphans, Anshu Academy Sikkim has 11 orphans, and Anshu Academy Nepal has 8 orphans, Altogether the total number of orphans supported by MMS International ministries is nearly on hundred fifty.
- Children’s Camping: MMS International is participating with Indian Hills Camping to provide special camping opportunities for children in a Christian environment. Children who attend have a wonderful time of fun while being exposed to the gospel message.
- Income Generation: While many new believers are willing to take an active role in evangelism and church growth, financial considerations often make those commitments difficult. MMS International participates with other partners to create new ways for young pastors and evangelists to generate income with a minimum amount of time and effort. In doing so they can devote the majority of their time to serving God. Examples of income generating programs are providing milk cows for a dairy income, funding the start of small retail stores operated by the wives, and funding grain mills for the processing of flour.
- Adult Literacy: MMS International participates with other partners in providing literacy training for adults by using the Bible as a teaching guide.
- Music Training: Christians in America recognize the important contribution music plays in weekly worship services. For villages in India that have new home churches there is a double problem. First, there may be new believers in the congregation that have no musical training nor possess musical instruments even if they did. Secondly, the new believers in India are not familiar with Christian songs and hymns. MMS International provides music training and instruments to help support new churches through a music ministry.
