An Indian Pastor who jointly founded the New India Church of God (NICOG) and regularly has had the ears of Indian prime ministers will speak at two churches in the Kyabram area this week, his 47-year-old organisation now stretching through 26 Indian states.
Pastor R Abraham is from the southern Indian state of Kerala and has become a social justice advocate through his churches.
He is involved in the development of schools, orphanages and a refugee home, while also starting India’s first Christian multi-lingual 24 hour satellite television station..
Pastor R Abraham began the Bethesda Children’s Home project in 2000 and now has a network of 14 orphanages in India. He has also started centres for Aids and drug victims in India.
He shares his role as president of NICOG with his work as managing director of Power Vision TV, which spreads the word of his religious views and ideology through television.
He will be speaking at the Community Church of Kyabram (corner of McEwen and Crichton Rds)on Wednesday, April 19, at 7.30pm. He is also scheduled to speak at Girgarre Christian Church on Thursday, April 20, at 7.30pm.
Kyabram Community Church leader Neville Hunter said Pastor R Abraham was a renowned international speaker.
“He has audiences with Indian prime ministers and heads up a nationwide church in India,” Mr Hunter said.
“He usually tours and speaks at many venues throughout Australia annually, but due to the COVID pandemic has been unable to tour since 2019.”
He said during COVID-19 the church corresponded with Pastor R Abraham and he agreed to speak at the church.
Mr Hunter said among the stories Pastor R Abraham planned to share with Kyabram included the ongoing devastation being caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In our correspendence with him during COVID, he has informed us of tragic losses of many of his pastors caused by the pandemic,” Mr Hunter said.