AIC was started in 1988, when Tom and Rachel Thurley (members of this church since 1962), saw the poverty of many of the Anglo-Indian community living in Madras, South India (now known as Chennai). In India the work is know as the Vine Charitable Trust.
Practical help is given in particular to children in education and to senior citizens, over 100 of each being helped. In recent years it has been able to sponsor many young people in university education.
Other aid is given to the disabled, the malnourished, the sick and occasionally the homeless. The ministry is holistic with practical aid given alongside the sharing 
of the Gospel, individually, at small meetings and evangelistic events. The aim is gradually to uplift the whole community.
The team in India is led by Grace Shrimpton, and we employ a trained social worker. Grace’s husband, David, is Pastor to The People of the Way, a growing church of about 60 members, to which we give prayer backing and some financial support.
Rachel spends about 3 months in India each winter.
Latest news and prayer requests – April 2012
Thank the Lord:
- That Lettie Kearney had a successful three month visit to Chennai and was able to do a large number of visits to families which are helped.
- That Lettie was staying with David and Grace Shrimpton when Grace had suddenly to go to Andhra Pradesh where her brother had had a stroke. Thankfully Lettie was there to look after the children.
- That Virginia Rosario (whose sons we sponsored some years ago) has joined the Vine Charitable Trust team as office assistant.
We would value your prayers for the following:
- The 100 or so children and 22 students who are doing their exams in April.
- John Dhanaraj and Grace as they advise young people leaving school about suitable college courses.
- The VCT outing arranged for the children we help in May
- Difficult working conditions during the hot season with power cuts of 4 hours each day plus 2 whole days every month.
- The father of a family we have been helping who has advanced cancer, and his wife has left him.
- Please pray whether a business man who has visited the offices should agree to become a trustee of VCT. His experience would be a help to the trust.
People of the Way Fellowship and pastor David Shrimpton
- Praise God for the recent baptismal service at the main church, when Abigail Shrimpton (15) was baptised.
- At one of the daughter churches ten tribal people were baptised in the river in March.
- Please pray for the Vacation Bible School in May when about 60 children are expected.
- Praise God for the continued giving to the fund to buy land for building their own church.
- Pray that the sale may soon be completed.
Rachel can be contacted at: rachelthurley@yahoo.co.uk