Spreading the Gospel in India!

Hybrid Evangelism: Outreach Through Modern Technologies

Context
India has 22 official languages and thousands of dialects, reflecting its rich cultural heritage. This linguistic diversity, combined with broader social and cultural factors, contributes to the reality that approximately 92% of the population remains unreached with the Gospel. 

At the same time, India offers unprecedented opportunities. With more than 850 million smartphone users and rapidly growing internet access, digital platforms are becoming a powerful channel to reach people—also in remote and restricted areas.

In several regions, especially in North and North-East India, there has been a notable increase in reports of persecution. Our primary area of activity is North-East India, where we observe both heightened restrictions and continued openness, alongside a sustained demand for Bibles and New Testaments.

Unique Project
CityBibles introduces an innovative model: Hybrid Evangelism—a strategic combination of digital access and physical distribution. At the heart of this approach are keychains with unique QR codes, providing discreet and immediate access to a comprehensive Bible app.

Each QR code connects to a Bible App featuring:

• Scripture in over 2,150 languages, including all 22 languages and dialects spoken in India.
• Reading plans
• Testimonies
• A dedicated children’s Bible app
• The option to request a physical Bible or New Testament

Each QR code is uniquely generated and linked to a secure dashboard. This allows:

• Insight into overall usage and engagement, while fully complying with privacy and security regulations
• Better understanding of outreach effectiveness
• Opportunities for anonymous chatting between the app-user and appropriate follow-up by the missionary organization.

The keychain containing a QR code is an essential tool in the northern part of India, where individuals are not permitted to own a physical Bible. Through this small tool, users can discreetly access Scripture in all major Indian languages without the risk associated with possessing a printed Bible. Each distributed Bible or New Testament includes the QR code that links directly to our Bible app.

Local Production & Distribution
To ensure efficiency and sustainability, CityBibles partners with a local printing facility in South India that operates every two weeks exclusively for CityBibles. In addition, lightweight paper Bibles are printed locally, which reduces costs and improves logistics.

The distribution of keychains and Bibles is carried out through trusted local networks in North-East India (Bihar). CityBibles’ partner, Peace Stars Ministries—led by Rev. Dr. Mahesh Kumar—plays a key role in this process. Through an extensive network of pastors and evangelists, materials are delivered across villages and communities.

Mahesh Kumar has been collaborating with CityBibles for an extended period through Peace Stars Ministries. He organized the first Youth Summit in Patna, attended by 560 first‑generation Christian youth. Three months later, he conducted a Youth Leadership Training program for approximately 200 participants, with men and women represented almost equally. During this training, 200 Bible keychains were distributed, and many of the attendees are now actively involved in children’s and youth ministry.

There is an urgent need for additional QR‑code keychains and Bibles/New Testaments to support his ministry in North-East India. The keychains serve as discreet evangelism tools in restricted regions where the possession of a physical Bible is prohibited. In other areas without persecution, New Testaments and Bibles will be distributed reaching out to hundreds of villages. Furthermore, Kumar’s ministry is also involved in planting hundreds of churches. New Testaments will be given to new believers, while full Bibles will be provided to newly established churches. Regular reporting and reviews will be arranged following each distribution.

Project Costs
City Bibles is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to spreading the Gospel to as many people as possible through innovative, high-quality products offered at the lowest possible cost. This commitment is clearly reflected in the pricing of its physical products: thin-paper Bibles (including local distribution) are available for just €5,50 per copy, and thin-paper New Testaments for €2,25 per copy. Notably, QR keychains are priced at only €0,15 per unit, making them an especially cost-effective tool for outreach.

To distribute at least 100,000 customized keychains with unique QR codes and to establish this local Bible project as a start-up initiative, we propose the printing of 10,000 New Testaments and 10,000 full Bibles in English, Hindi, and Telugu. We present the following funding proposal for your consideration:

• Printing 10,000 full Bibles (English, Hindi, and Telugu): €55,000
• Printing 10,000 New Testaments (English, Hindi, and Telugu): €22,500
• 100,000 QR keychains with unique QR codes: €15,000
• Fundraising, managment and transportation: €6,000
  Total: €98,500

City Bibles will fully cover all management and transportation costs associated with this initiative. Contributions may be directed toward specific components of the project—such as keychains, Bibles, or both—depending on your preference and capacity.

Impact
The combined approach of local partnerships, digital tools, and strategic distribution creates measurable and lasting results. The project not only expands access to Scripture but also strengthens communities and supports long‑term discipleship. The expected impact includes:

• At least 120,000 people reached through the handout of physical Bibles or keychains
• Access to the Bible across multiple language groups
• This project aligns with the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations..”
• Enables local believers to participate in personal and digital follow-up
• Strengthening the evangelistic network in India
• Encouragement for persecuted Christians in North-East India.

By combining technology with trusted local networks, this project multiplies its reach far beyond traditional distribution methods.

Join the Mission
We warmly invite you to partner with us in reaching underserved communities in India. Your support has the potential to make a lasting and meaningful impact in many lives.