Dear Friends of Partners International and Joshua Vision India,
It is will both a joyous and grieving heart that I share with you that early yesterday morning, our beloved Dr. B.E. Vijayam, the founder and leader of the Joshua Vision India ministry, passed on to be with the Lord in glory.
The son of a rural pastor, Dr. B.E. Vijayam (Dr. Viji) grew up seeing the poverty in India’s villages. Later, as a geology professor, he was mystified when a disastrous earthquake killed 30,000 people living in a seismically stable zone in just 45 seconds. This awakened in him a deep sense of the end times and the urgency of sharing the Good News to all nations. Dr. Viji founded Joshua Vision India to raise up an army of grassroots men and women evangelists to reach the thousands of Indian people groups that have not yet heard the Gospel message. Many of you have been part of giving hundreds of Indian leaders’ access to ministry training and helped JVI fulfill the vision God gave Dr. Viji.
Just 2 months ago, our Partners International staff was in India having breakfast with Dr. Viji and his wife Mary and were reviewing plans for the future. Unbeknownst to them, they were well ahead on planning for a thorough transition of leadership to senior leaders in the ministry.
We mourn with those who mourn and express deep gratitude to the Lord for a life well invested in His service. Please join us in praying for Mary, his son Joseph, their loved ones, and the JVI/TENT staff.
The funeral is scheduled for tomorrow. Our Area Director for South Asia, Rev. Prem James, is scheduled to be present. We have also made arrangements for a floral Indian arrangement to be sent, as is proper during such occasion.
Blessings,