Our History

A Legacy of Faith, Vision, and Transformation

Central India Christian Mission began in 1982 with a simple vision: to share the love of Christ with those who had never heard His name. What started as a small ministry led by faithful believers has grown into a movement that spans communities across India and beyond.

Over the decades, CICM has planted churches, trained pastors, cared for children, and brought relief to those in need—all through the leadership of dedicated local believers. Each step of growth has been marked by prayer, courage, and a commitment to bring the light of the Gospel to spiritually dark places.

founded in 1982 by Dr. Ajai Lall and Dr. Indu Lall

“CICM is not what man can do for God, but how God can use ordinary people to accomplish his extraordinary goals.”

Central India Christian Mission (CICM) was founded in 1982 by Dr. Ajai Lall and Dr. Indu Lall, a couple committed to serving God and spreading the Gospel in India. After marrying in 1981 and studying in the United States, they developed a deep burden for the millions in India who did not know Christ, leading them to establish an organization dedicated to meeting India's spiritual and physical needs. They returned to India in December 1982 with their five-month-old daughter to begin their God-given mission. Starting with just one co-worker, Brother Frank Harrison, in February 1983, they formed the Gospel Carriers Evangelistic Team to share their message through preaching, music, and songs. Through revival meetings, church planting, and evangelism, this humble beginning in Damoh quickly expanded with churches planted in Shahdol, Jabalpur, and Bhopal, marking the start of a ministry that would eventually touch millions of lives across multiple nations—a true testament of God’s faithfulness through the Lalls’ unwavering commitment and obedience.

2005: first children’s home

2002: The Bible College started

The Bible College, CIBA, started in 2002 with 22 students. We wanted to train evangelists and church planters. This has grown into 4 different campuses and an online program with a total of 12,600 students enrolled currently.

The first children’s home started in 2005 when Lashi returned from Johnson bible college. It started with 36 precious children from the tribal areas of India. 

PARTNERSHIPS THAT HAVE SHAPED OUR FUTURE

  • We have had a 40 years of partnership and over 100 projects that we have completed to help the areas affected by natural disasters. 

  • We were able to partner with them and complete the Bundeli New Testament which will reach over 52 million people who never had any scriptures translated into their language. 

  • When the hospital was started in 1998 they helped purchase ambulances 

  • They have helped us print 135 books 

  • They have done conferences with us for 5 years in India with over 12,000 students 

  • They have done over 3,000 surgeries of cleft lip and plate 

  • Since 1993, produces Hindi Church Online with content provided by CICM

Key Milestones in the Mission

1982 – The Beginning
CICM is founded by Drs. Ajai and Indu Lall with a vision to bring the Gospel to Central India. The first ministry efforts focus on revival meetings, church planting, and evangelism

1983 - The Firstfruit
The first church was planted in Shahdol. The Lalls led their first major rival in Kanpur. The first office was established in Damoh.

1987 - Youth Ministry Launched
Dr. Ajai Lall formed the Madhya Pradesh Youth Association to guide the spiritual and moral growth of young people.

1988 - A Permanent Home
Land was purchased in Damoh for a permanent home office.

1989 - Hindi Church Online produces its first Bible series

1998 - The Hospital Opens

2002 - Calvary International Bible Academy opens 

2005 - First Children’s Home Opens

1994 – Growth and Leadership Development
CICM begins training and equipping new pastors, establishing Bible colleges and ministry programs that prepare leaders to serve their local communities.

2002 – Expanding the Reach
Children’s homes, schools, and compassionate outreach programs are launched, meeting both physical and spiritual needs across India.

2013 – A Growing Global Impact
Partnerships expand internationally, allowing CICM to reach more regions of South Asia while maintaining its commitment to locally led ministry.

2023 – Continuing the Mission
CICM continues to bring hope through church planting, leadership development, and holistic care, building on a legacy of faith and perseverance.