Zion Tribal Ministries was established as per God’s divine plan for the tribal belts in South India. To take gospel to these people the immediate felt need was education and other vocational training for the children and adults respectively. To fulfill this vision we as a team have been working with God’s guidance in our everyday lives.

Our mission field is situated in South India, between 65 KMs N.E of Dharmapuri and 60 KMs from Hosur where the 3 states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra and Karnataka borders meet. It is located 4000 feet from sea level. Despite being at a higher altitude it happens to be a low rain fall place. Bamboo forests are most commonly seen here.

Around 100 small villages and approximately 30000 people. 20-25 years backward from rest of Tamil Nadu people. Still barter trading exists among these tribes. During the last 10 years changes started occurring. Poojaris, Lingayats, Vedas and Kurumbas tribes live in these villages. These tribal people fear evil spirits. Black magic, sorcery and inquiring of spirit have captured these people. These people treat the forest as their own land, hunt animals and eat other available vegetation for their living. Elephants and other animals live there. These tribal people defy civilization and would not mind living in their own way of living that is pathetic. Their way of living, dressing, food and other habits are literally very backward by nature. They speak languages mostly Tamil, Kannada and Telugu all mixed mostly.

The ministry being done here reminds of the early 20th century ministry by the missionaries and is a tough task. God had destined to bring these people under his plan since 1979. But it started manifesting only after 1998 according to Isa 54:2,3. Ministry started expanding. God as per His word provided place for missionaries to stay and work.

During that time (mention year), tribal children’s school was started. 15 students participated. Besides, Sunday service was started. By 1999 a small home was started for students to stay and learn. God graciously gave 30 students at this time to the school. God blessed our hand’s work that were toiling for uplifting of these tribal people. By year 2000 when we inquired of the Lord about this education scheme God said that was “Arrow of salvation that defeat Syrians”. Hence with enhanced determination we concentrated on the studies of the tribal children. So primary education was started and it was regulated as LKG-II standard. We stressed the importance of education to these people through skits. We encouraged adult education. For the very first time in that year V.B.S (Vacation Bible School) was conducted.

By 2001, around 25 people both adults and children started coming to Church. We distributed used and new clothes for the clothless and invited them to school. Around 60 students started coming. Join us in thanking God for He gave them grace to know about Him and fear of the Lord. We stressed about society to the tribal people and its benefits. That year VBS was conducted in 3 places. Through prayers many people were delivered from their sicknesses. For them to stand in their faith, we need your prayers. Now around 60 people are attending Sunday services. Sunday classes are conducted in 4 places. Awareness about societal living and its benefits were conducted in 6 places. For school children medical facilities are provided. God has been helping us to take care of the hygiene and health of these children.