History Statement of Faith What Others are Saying
What is the Sowers Ministry?
The Sowers Ministry (TSM) is a non-profit missions organization involved in evangelism, training and church planting. Our goal is to preach Christ where His name is not known and plant churches. In 1986, TSM was founded in Himalayan country of Nepal.
We are a team of people from Asia, North America and Europe, committed to work with the Church to proclaim the Gospel to people who have never heard. We make a point of searching out, cultivating and respecting national and local leadership in the countries where we work, and emphasize indigenous Gospel work. We also cultivate international cooperation and encourage partnership between the Church in Asia and the Church around the world to bring about total mobilization of people, prayer and finances.
The founders of the Sowers Ministry, the Anderson brothers were born in India. When they were all very young, their mother died suddenly. Their father, unable to care for the four boys, released them to a Methodist orphanage.
Neil, finished his college education with a bachelors degree in science. Soon he became a highly successful businessman in India. But in 1983 his encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ changed his destiny forever. Neil received a call for the ministry in the tiny kingdom of Nepal. Neil found a teaching job to support himself. Almost immediately he began an outreach to the children. "Saturday School" (Saturday is the weekly day off in Nepal) was organized and soon they had 60-70 kids coming regularly. Then the parents and other siblings began to show up at the meetings also, and many people of all ages were saved.
In 1986 the Neil experienced the Baptism of the Holy Spirit through the ministry of late Pastor John Osteen. It was also in 1986 that more people joined him in the vision. They decided to make their ministry available to the local churches. So they invited all the Christian pastors and leaders of Kathmandu to a prayer breakfast and declared their intention to serve the body of Christ. They were welcomed overwhelmingly, and the official "Sowers Ministry" was born. They choose this name because of the power in the seed of the Gospel.
As TSM continued to expand, a central location in Asia was needed with better communication facilities. The Lord opened the door to move the ministry headquarters to Hong Kong in 1989. There they adopted Revival Christian Church as their home church where Dennis Balcombe is the pastor. In the early 90s Neil received his ordination from Lakewood Church under the late Pastor John Osteen in Houston, Texas, USA.
TSM is establishing an indigenous work in each country. Our vision of training local people and planting new churches led to the opening of the Mission Training Centers (MTCs) where church planters are trained. The first one was begun in India in 1993, the second in Nepal, and hundreds more in China since 1996. The national leaders direct the training centers and pastor local Victory Churches.
We believe:
- In the divine inspiration of the Bible (2 Tim. 3: 16 , 17)
- In the trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (1 Jn. 5:7)
- That Jesus Christ is the Lord God Almighty, creator or all things (Jn. 1:1-3, 14, 29-34)
- In the Virgin Birth (Lk. 1: 26 -35)
- That Jesus Christ died for our sins (Heb. 9:15 , 22, 28)
- That Jesus Christ resurrected bodily and will come back bodily (Lk. 24. 36-40, Acts. 1:11)
- In baptism in water by full immersion (Acts 8: 35 -39)
- In baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2: 4)
- In all the supernatural gifts of God (1 Cor. 12)
- In evangelistic and missionary fervor and endeavor in accordance with the great commission (Matt: 28: 19)
Dennis Balcombe, Pastor
Revival Christian Church, Hong Kong
The Sowers Ministry is involved in training, equipping and leading indigenous leaders in restricted access nations such as China, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia, India and Tibet. They are also involved in reaching and establishing churches among the hill tribe people of Thailand and surrounding areas. The Sowers have been a vehicle to lead thousands of people to the Lord. They have trained leaders in a systematic pattern and assisted them to plant churches based on New Testament principles. They are also printing and distributing literature, and supporting Gospel workers.
It has been a blessing for us to be working with them. We’re praying and supporting the Sowers Ministry because we believe in it. We commend this ministry as worthy of your prayers and support.
Jeff King, President
International Christian Concern
We have worked with Neil Anderson and the Sowers Ministry for years. I have personally traveled with Neil in China as had my predecessor and met many leaders of the Chinese underground Church through Neil. We have found him and his ministry to be effective and fruitful.
Late John Osteen, Pastor
Lakewood Church, Houston, TX, USA
This letter is to certify that Neil Anderson has been duty ordained by Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas.
The Anderson brothers have founded churches, provided support and training for native pastors, conducted crusades, provided help and encouragement to Gospel workers, including those who have been imprisoned for preaching Jesus to that needy continent.
I recommend the Sowers Ministry without reservation as a minister of the Gospel, and as a selfless minister worthy of the prayers and financial support. I encourage you to become involved in this unique and effective ministry.
Todd M. Powers, Misssions Director
Jerry Savelle Ministries, TX, USA
You are admired for the dedication, and labor you have put into your ministry. You have made a difference in so many lives, that literally would have never had the opportunity to hear the gospel. You are taking situations that look impossible and speaking, and standing on the Word of God, knowing that all things are possible through Him. You have shown this type of faith, as you have been submissive, and relied wholly upon the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your time and dedication over the years, you are truly appreciated.
Robert Karthak, Pastor
Ganeswore Church, Nepal
It gives me much pleasure reminding us all that the seeds of the Sowers Ministry were first implanted in Nepal. All the three Anderson brothers - Guine, Sandy and Neil were members of Gyaneshwor Church. The Sowers Ministry sprouted in the Nepali soil and grew up into a viable ministry whose work has tremendously helped the extension of God’s Kingdom in Nepal, and in other countries also. May God richly bless the Ministry and all those involved in it in sowing the seeds of the gospel throughout the world.
Walter Hidenreich, Leader
Freie Christliche Jugendgemeinschaft e.V., Germany
I have visited Neil Anderson in Hong Kong. During my visit of Sowers Ministry I saw that the work shows integrity. I believe that many more people will find Jesus through their powerful and dynamic way of evangelism and ministry. They also play an important role in the church, because they have a strong anointing in motivating and encouraging Christians for evangelism and world mission.