FEC works in partnership with Zion Evangelistic and Care Ministries (ZEC) in establishing reproducing communities of Christ followers in the greater Visakhapatnam (Vizag) district of Andhra Pradesh, India with a population of over 6 million. Since God’s divine calling more than two decades ago, a primary vision of Syam Babu and Esther Sunitha, ZEC founders, is reaching children through evangelistic rooftop clubs and camps. This vision has multiplied to include:
- Developing and training a network of between 3,000-4,000 pastors in 46 mandals (townships) of the Vizag district
- Training and sending scores of church planters to towns and villages throughout the district
- Over 130 churches planted among 5 primarily Hindu unreached people groups in recent years
- Evangelistic Crusades through the pastor network
- Training and resourcing scores of youth and young adults focused on reaching the next generation of children
- A variety of care ministries reaching the poor, the HIV positive, street children and more
Syam and Esther have developed a team of over 70 staff and volunteers leading ZEC’s multiplication ministries that are regularly reaching and discipling thousands for Christ.
It is a great privilege for FEC to partner with Syam, Esther and the ZEC team in the Vizag district. The initial relationship with ZEC came through Northwoods Community Church (Peoria, IL) and continues to expand to include others from FEC. Teams from the US regularly travel to assist with leadership training and care ministries. The door is always open for others to join in this partnership to establish reproducing churches in this region of India. The ZEC team covets the prayers, visits, support and encouragement from throughout FEC.
