Staff member hard at work in WCOI headquarters
India (MNN) ― Monsoon flooding is a regular occurrence in parts of India. For Audio Scripture Ministries' partner, the World Cassette Outreach of India, a particularly bad flood several years ago revealed a problem: "The old house that was originally on the property is below-grade, and every time the monsoons come, it floods to one degree or another. That building desperately needs to be torn down. It's not a huge building, but we're going to build on top of it."
A 2006 typhoon caused significant water damages, cracking paint and crumbling walls. Repairs were made, but even then, Dudenhofer says, the team knew their time was measured. At the time, he noted, "The building that the residence currently is in is over 100 years old. We spent some money to repair the roof and to seal some of the obvious cracks in the residence that's there. These fixes are only temporary."
Dudenhofer notes that the audio Scripture work the team does is often disrupted by repeated flooding. Repairs further delay translation and recording projects. ASM's Tom Dudenhofer says they're now about a third of the way toward their financial goal for a new facility in Bangalore. The headquarters plays a vital role in bringing the Gospel in India to those who can't read.
For them, it's becoming a race for space. The building, says Dudenhofer, is crucial for the next 30 years of Scripture in audio ministry. "Even though there is persecution, the country is very open right now. We believe it's really imperative to be able to put up a building that would allow our partners to train regional directors for Audio Scripture Ministry. Right now, the facilities simply do not exist."
The lack of space slows new projects. At present, the staff has been recording three different languages, all of which need funding.
ASM is trying to raise $375,000 to build the new facility. Plans include three stories that would allow their partners to train regional directors and church leaders to continue this outreach.
