For the year 2023, the theme of Austin Christian Fellowship of India is, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Here is an encouragement and challenge from Apostle Paul to be persistent in our work for the Lord under all circumstances. Then the Lord will surely reward our persistence and faithful labor with bountiful fruitfulness. In the past years, we were faced with many challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic. However, God responded to our persistence, brought us this far successfully, and helped us to grow. We thank God for bringing many new families to our church in 2022. And he will continue to do so if we faithfully execute the tasks, he has assigned to us.

I appreciate the enthusiasm and cooperation of all the ACFI members for consistently coming together and participating in all the programs of the church. In addition to the Sunday Worship Service, ACFI also has four other Bible Study programs for its members. There is an in-person and online Midweek Bible Study every Wednesday evening for an in-depth study of various themes of the Bible. The Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi Bible Study regional groups meet on the first Friday/Saturday of every month to study a particular book of the Bible. There are Men’s and Women’s fellowships every month. We do hope and pray that, in 2023, we will continue to grow and see even more members participating in these groups.

Since 2022, ACFI has been conducting regular door-to-door evangelism and has the plan to offer more opportunities to reach out to our neighbors in 2023.

ACFI has three core ministries: Children, Missions, and Prayer. There are 14 other ministries of ACFI. Each of them is led by two ministry co-leaders. We praise God for the enthusiastic and faithful leadership and participation of all the members.

ACFI provides financial and spiritual support to 8 missions. One of them is in 2 countries – Bangladesh and the Dominican Republic and the rest are in 5 states in India; Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. We have been privileged to participate in God’s work in these places through the missions and the generous contributions of our members.

We do hope and pray that very soon ACFI will be able to worship and conduct all church programs in our own church building. ACFI purchased its church property, “A Home of Our Own”, and the Trustee Committee and the Board are working to construct the church building. The church celebrates Harvest Festival annually to raise funds for the Missions and church property. Last year the result was a great success.

We will be offering more opportunities for evangelism by applying Proverbs 11:30, “he who wins souls is wise.”  Some members have already started to take part in the 3 Circle Evangelist Program. We hope and pray that many more will be encouraged to participate and bring the saved persons into the church.

Let us praise God that because of His protection, provision, strength, and help, we have been able to come out of 2022 safely. Let us also hope to thrive in all the above areas in 2023 with God’s grace.

Many Christians are moving to Austin from various parts of the country and looking for a Bible-based evangelical church. I will be very happy to get in touch with them. I can be reached at the contact details listed below.

With many thanks and all blessings

Sincerely in Jesus
Rev. Dr. Samson Parekh
Senior Pastor, ACFI
Email: pastor@acfi.cc
Ph. 512-920-2234