Christian Love in Action began as an outreach of this congregation to the local leprosy colonies to help provide food, and meet basic needs. Encouraged by a great response from both the lepers and the congregation, Rev. Padale urged the church to do more. Not long afterwards the CLIA clean water well program was initiated as a demonstration of Christ’s love to tribal Indian farmers through clean drinking water and crop irrigation.

CLIA has now dug over 50 wells, each of which irrigates 10 farms and provides drinking water for a village. CLIA’s commitment to these farmers extends beyond clean waterl. CLIA also supplies many farms with effective fertilizers, better seeds, education on crop management, and even financial support through difficult seasons.

These actions continue to prove that the love of Christ is a powerful tool for change. As a direct result, many farmers have received the gospel and have introduced it into their own villages. Today 85 churches have been strategically positioned within villages in the mountainous areas surrounding the city of Nashik.

In 2000, Christian Love in Action began construction on a home for abandoned and poverty stricken girls. One evening, a group of local villagers who were threatened by the long term commitment of CLIA and Christ to the community, attacked a CLIA meeting. The group set fire to vehicles, destroyed equipment, and attacked the attendees, which left one attendee at the hospital. Fortunately, no one was killed.

Surprisingly, this attack only bolstered the courage of the local followers of CLIA. The building project was completed. These homes collectively care for over 150 poor and impoverished children. In addition to the food, clothing, and access to education, these poor-in-spirit children are shown the ultimate joy found in the love of Christ.

From the outset, CLIA recognized the need for education in these communities, many of which have no schools. CLIA’s education program includes an English Day School for 60 students, pre-k to first grade, in the immediate community.

In a true representation of reconciliation, when the local village well went dry from a drought, CLIA shared water from their well with the once violent group of villagers.  Today some of the children of the once angry villagers are now attending the English Day School of CLIA. Love changes hearts.

Proactively, CLIA began a two-year adult Bible College to equip professional and non-professional persons with a solid theological foundation in four different certificate programs. To date, the programs have graduated several dozen students, with more enrolling every semester. For many, this is the only opportunity to receive formal theological education.

Currently, Christian Love In Action has plans to expand the college to provide vocational training for teachers, as well as other four year degree programs. The English Day School will be growing to include the remaining grades through grammar school, and then adding a high school. Also, in the planning stages is a Spiritual Retreat Center for the widowed mothers and needy families of those children currently living in the boys and girls home.

Reverend Padale continues to urge his congregation to be looking for opportunities to put Christ’s love in action. So far, their diligence has reached over 50,000 people.