In southern India, in the town of Vyara, lives a small community of Christians who are passionate about Jesus and the Church.

The speakers really encouraged me. I am challenged to change my life; I can do lot more things for God. – Anonymous attendee, Vyara, India

Many of them are first generation Christians who’ve gone through persecution for their faith, including social boycotting of families, churches being burned down, forced re-conversion and the murder of Christian workers.

And yet, despite this persecution, the Church remains resilient and continues to grow rapidly throughout the region.

In a place like Vyara, where access to Christian leadership resources is hard to come by, the Global Leadership Summit arrives at just the right time.

For the first time this year, the GLS was held in Vyara for 628 people, representing 59 churches and organizations and 146 different villages. Wow!

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Here are just some of the comments we heard from attendees:

The speakers really encouraged me. I am challenged to change my life; I can do lot more things for God. – Anonymous attendee, Vyara, India

I am inspired to take my faith to the government wing where I work. – Anonymous government worker, Vyara, India

This is the need of the hour. There is very little being done to raise leaders. – Anonymous pastor, Vyara, India

The opportunity to raise leaders is critical for the young churches in south Gujarat. The GLS is a great tool for us. – Anonymous attendee, Vyara, India

Thank you for supporting leaders in Vyara, India. Please pray for them and their churches as they seek to spread the good news of the Gospel in their communities, even in the midst of persecution.

To support the GLS and Christians living out their faith in difficult regions, consider a year-end gift to Willow Creek Association.

Learn more at www.willowcreek.com/give.