As the IMS struck root, flourished and filled the land,the need for support base also increased . Branches were formed in many towns and cities of our country. The IMS has presently 163 branches all over India. They collect subscriptions and donations from members, conduct annual fetes and raise funds. They foster fellowships by forming prayer groups in smaller areas, find supporters who give monthly/annual contribution towards missionary/Adivasi children support and render prayer support. The Chennai Branch functioning from the year 1915 is a strong support to the parent society from the very start. 

After successfully contributing for the construction of various churches, schools, missionary quarters and hostels in various mission fields, as the Branch work also increased with more and more members supporting the activities of the Branch we felt the need for our own place to work in Chennai. We had to shift the rented office premises quite often, three times in period of 5 years. Therefore we have purchased a land at Kellys, a central part of Chennai. Construction of IMS House “Mercy Springs” with workstations and worship hall has been started on 14th June 2008. The cost of construction is estimated at Rs.65.00 lakhs.

In memory of the past members/leaders/office bearers, contributions towards the cost of construction are welcome:

Work Stations=Rs.10,000; Teakwood Doors= Rs.10,000; Windows=Rs.5000; Fans=Rs1500; Computer=Rs.30000

Flooring cost =Rs.4000 per 50 sq.ft.; Construction cost =Rs.1500 per sq.ft.; False ceiling with fittings=Rs.1000/ 10 sq ft

We equire our own premises for our Office.           

The Branch has 105 prayer groups with more than 3000 members who support the IMS with dedicated prayers and generous contributions. Monthly prayer meetings are held by all the prayer groups in their areas. This year it is planned to get an effective membership of not less than 5000 in the city and increase the number of prayer cells in the city to 200 by March 2009.

The sale festival of IMS Chennai branch will be held on the 2nd October this year also in a grand manner,. Last year the sale proceeds have exceeded our targets.

As usual there will be more than a hundred stalls, selling delicious eatables, Biriyani, fancy and utility items. There were many games and entertainment. Like last year a car rally called the mission – car treasure hunt will be held conducted on the same day, at St.George’s School, Opposite Pachaiappas College, Chennai-30

On the 1st October, 2008, 30 new missionaries were commissioned in a solemn service.

During October 8th - 15th, 2008, 30 Members of Our Branch went on Mission Field tour to Rajashthan(Sagwra), Gujarath (Dudhia), Mathyaprathesh (Kedawath).

To View Pictures    

During mission field visit last year in October we found the need for church, hostel, missionary quarters, medical / tailoring centre etc at Arora in UP state which is near Chakia where we built all these buildings last year. This year we plan to raise Rs.20.00 lakhs for this project in Arora, UP.

We have decided to treat Paderu field as Model Mission Field for our youngsters to visit the field often and get a feel of the activities in the field and support the mission activities everywhere. To make the buildings there adequate to support this vision, we have planned to construct multipurpose hall, rest rooms, water tank, EB Rooms, Tailoring centre, Fencing and extra hostel block. The estimated cost is Rs.15.00 lakhs.

During the Lenten season retreats are conducted in all the five zones, and a combined retreat is held at Sogundi, a mango garden near Chennai. The members share the Word of God and  meditate upon it.  Easter song services are conducted in North and South Chennai.  Members sing in groups and in solo praising the Risen Christ.  Members contribute enthusiastically through Lenten  Hundies.  During the Christmas season Carol services are conducted in North and South Chennai.  Carol rounds are also conducted in each prayer group area.  Members share the joy of Christmas singing to the Glory of new born King.  The collections through the services are spent on the poor children.

Just like Rhythm of the Universe programme last year, we had a Live Concert “Flames” this year at the YMCA, Royapettah on Easter Day (12 April 2009). More than 5000 persons attended. Praise and worship was conducted by Pr.Gersson Edinbaro
Projects to be executed this year.
1.Missionary training center at Malkangiri, Orissa.
2.A Model mission field in Andrapradesh nearer to Chennai.
3.New office premises for the Chennai branch.
4.Missionary welfare fund.
5.Equipment for children’s hostel.
6.A Hostel for the Kui tribal children of Kandhamal District affected by riots last year.

Chennai Branch will be sponsoring the mission field work in 7 districts of Punjab now and will ultimately sponsor all the 18 districts of this State. To sponsor one district we require Rs.20000 per month. To adopt a village-Rs.500, a Block-Rs.2000 or support a missionary-Rs.3000 per month.

Cost of a motor bike=Rs.40000.

We encourage the local leaders to train the believers to spread the good news and release the power of Jesus. The Kingdom of God is at hand.

During October after the Annual Sale on 2nd October we plan to go to Assam for a mission field tour.

Members of the Women’s wing regularly pray for the IMS and its ministries every second Saturday forming a chain from 5 am to 9 pm. They gather in one of their houses every first Saturday of the month for prayer and meditation. They take active part in Annual IMS Sale held on October 2nd every year, setting up various stalls.

The monthly magazine of the Chennai Branch has been given a new look with many new features. It carries many interesting articles, Bible Quiz, Prayer meeting Schedule for the month and many other features.

For the glory of God, IMS choir praises our Almighty through songs during the special occasions. The present choir is a small group capable of singing with four parts. Talented people are identified and included in the choir.

has been started for supporting the social service ministries namely the hostel ministry, education ministry and medical ministry, along with the gospel ministry.The Govt. of India have recognized the Social Service rendered by us irrespective of caste, creed and language and have granted us Income tax concessions (under Section 80G) for the persons donating money for the Social Service aspect of our ministry mentioned above. The donors to these activities may draw the cheques/ drafts in favour of IMS Charitable Trust and obtain the receipt with the Govt. order no. mentioned therein to claim 50% income tax concession for the amount donated. They have mainly three activities.

Hundi boxes are distributed to the traders of Chennai who are enthusiastically contributing through these Hundies. These contributions are utilized for the new projects of our Branch to build hostels, schools, rehabilitation centers and medical centers. Special monthly prayer meetings are held for the businessmen. Revival meetings are organized for them.

The various activities of the IMS, news from mission fields and special messages are regularly communicated to our dear & near ones living abroad. Prayer Groups have been formed in USA, Kuwait and Australia. This helps them to continue to keep the Love of our Lord in their minds and be an enlightening light wherever they are. 

These programs are held every year in all the zones of Chennai (North, South, East and West). Christian Matriculation Schools of each zone participate in this. The children of these schools enact dramas, sing songs and give other performances on Christian and missionary themes. The proceeds from the sale of tickets for these programs go for schooling and hostelling of poor & under privilege children in IMS Hostels in various states of India. The schools adopt some of these children in our mission fields with their monthly financial support. The better placed city children learn to support the less fortunate children.

IMS house is at Ponnan Lane ( Off Tana Street ), Purusavakkam, Chennai 600 007
Phone: 91 - 44 -  26625035
Mobile: 98415 81906