From Agra to Eternity: How an Open-Air Crusade Brought the Gospel to a Hindu Community
Introduction In September 2011, history was made near Agra, India. For the first time, the Gospel was publicly proclaimed in a Hindu-dominated community where churches were limited to buildings and the name of Jesus had never been announced in open air. What began as a small step of faith by Pastor Pandu Maddala turned into a powerful encounter with God’s Spirit, leaving an eternal mark on dozens of lives. The Vision of Pastor Maddala Pastor Maddala, who had long worked with Hindu children in his community, felt a deep burden to proclaim Christ openly. Supported by local parents and one politician who ensured protection from violence, Maddala launched the first-ever public open-air crusade in his community. The Crowd Gathers On September 13th, the day of the crusade, a crowd formed before the event even began. Dozens of children, families, and curious villagers filled the space—some on rooftops, others in doorways—waiting to see what would unfold. When evangelist Bruce Ku...