Outsourcing to India presents outreach opportunities
by Dan Wooding
March 12, 2007
NEW DELHI, INDIA (ANS) -- If you have a computer problem these days and call into "Customer Support" you will most likely be switched to a "call center" in India. Outsourcing telemarketing, technical support and other "call center" activities from North America and Europe to India has created an economic boon for the country.
"Gurgaon, a satellite city of New Delhi, is just one area that's thriving. Buildings are going up quickly and drawing many young employees. They've become the focus of outreach for Asian Access trained pastors," said a recent story by Mission Network News (MNN) about how this "call center culture" has presented outreach opportunities to present the Gospel.
Speaking from India, Asian Access' David Dayalan, told MNN, "It has been the past five years since we've had the 'call center culture'. In fact, those of us who are based in an urban setting... have been trying all ways (and) methods to reach them."
Materialism has invaded this culture, says Dayalan.
"People don't have much time. Spirituality has taken a back seat," he said.
But, he added that churches are making changes to reach out to Christians and non-Christians.
"Church congregation members are busy with their work," he continued in his MNN interview. "They hardly have time to come to church. Churches are trying out various things. I know of a pastor who even has a midnight worship service because that's the only time they are free."
When asked if this type of evangelism was easy, Dayalan replied, "This whole thing is new and the young people are in aw of everything that's happening around them and they're seeing a lot of new money. So, it's been difficult."
While the increase of persecution against Christians in India has been widely reported, Dayalan said, "Generally in cities you don't face much of a problem of these militant groups, but in the past they successfully managed to bring about awareness that Christians are basically into converting. So, the moment you start talking about Christ, there is a bias."
Dayalan said the new generation of Christians appears to be more equipped to take the Gospel to the marketplace and that younger leader's network better than the previous generation. "Now I think people are willing to burry their differences and come together for the extension of the Kingdom. So, that's something new and it's happening all over India," he said.
MNN said, "There is an open door. That's why Asian Access continues training selected pastors."
Dayalan concluded by saying, "We look at the key pastors; somebody who's really showing potential; somebody who's showing results. This program enhances them to go forward and accomplish much more."
Asian Access works primarily in Northern India, with plans to expand throughout the nation. Pray for funding to train more key young leaders.
For more information on Asian Access, go to: www.asianaccess.org
© 2007 ASSIST News Service, used with permission.
