Wes Gunn Receives an Honorary Doctor of Divinity
Mission Alive is thrilled to celebrate one of our long-time leaders, Wes Gunn, who was recently awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Mission India Theological Seminary in Nagpur, India. Wes originally teamed with Mission Alive in 2014 to plant Redland Hills Church in Wetumpka, AL, where he continues to serve as Senior Pastor. This prestigious recognition highlights decades of dedication to missions, church planting, and theological education, particularly among the marginalized.
A Heart for the Unreached
Wes and his wife, Amanda, began their journey with India 20 years ago in Kerala, where they partnered with leaders building a theological training center and mercy home. Since its founding, Mission India (rimi.org) has graduated over 800 students, equipping them to lead churches and spread the Gospel in some of the most spiritually challenging regions of India.
This commitment to raising up leaders continues today. In 2023, Redland Hills Church adopted the state of Himachal Pradesh in north India, a region where 99.8% of the 8.5 million residents are unreached by the good news of Jesus. This Himalayan state, bordering China and Pakistan, is a difficult place for the Gospel to take root. Hindu temples dominate the landscape and in cities like Mandi—home to tens of thousands of people—there isn’t a single church building due to government restrictions. Yet, the faith of local believers remains strong, meeting in small house churches despite the obstacles.
A Commitment to Theological Education
During the seminary’s graduation ceremony, 288 students from across India received their degrees, ranging from certificates in ministry to doctorates. Among them were three dedicated individuals who have worked tirelessly to translate the Bible into the Madayalli language for the very first time. The New Testament is complete, and they hope to finish the Old Testament within the next year—a monumental step toward reaching a people group still waiting to hear God’s Word in their native tongue.
Please join us in celebrating the work God is accomplishing through Wes and Mission India.
“I hope to use this great honor to keep advancing the kingdom through church planting and reaching the unreached.” Wes Gunn
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