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.

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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.

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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 Kugler from the USA stood to share his message “God’s Courtroom”, he wondered how the people would react. “I know Hindu people believe in millions of gods, and I was proclaiming Jesus Christ as the Son of God,” Kugler later reflected. “I wasn’t sure if the crowd would turn angry.”

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A Move of the Holy Spirit

Instead of anger, something powerful happened. As Kugler shared about God’s love and forgiveness through Christ, the Holy Spirit moved among the people. More than 20 Hindus raised their hands, publicly accepting Jesus Christ. Women were moved to tears, children and young men embraced the message, and for many it was the first time they had heard that God loved them personally.

Pastor Maddala described the moment as a miracle: “God worked so mightily, even Hindu women wept as they listened. Many received Christ.”

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The Impact Beyond the Crusade

What stood out most was the peace. Despite the sensitive setting, there was no violence or backlash. Instead, people left asking questions about Jesus, and some requested Bibles. Kugler later said: “For many, it was the first time they had heard the Gospel. They learned that God sent His Son to die for their sins and was offering them a pardon.”

The seeds planted that day continue to bear fruit, as Pastor Maddala remains excited about the growing hunger for God’s Word in his community.