Constrained by the love of Christ, a dynamic young man – Vedanyagam Samuel Azariah (Who was destined to become the internationally acclaimed BISHOP AZARIAH OF DORNAKAL) shared his vision with like minded colleagues – 20 laymen and 8 clergymen who went on their knees and poured their hearts in prayer. Their God given vision opened the doors of an abundant fruitful mission through Indian Missionary Society born on 12th February 1903 at Palayamkottai, Thirunelvelli district, South India. Thus was born the first indigenous missionary organization in India,whose aim is to obey the great commission of our Lord as proclaimed in Mathew 28: 19.-"Go ye therefore and make disciples of all the nations."

The ardent prayers and the devoted hard toil by the early missionaries (Sri Samuel Packianathan, Sri.Devasahayam and Sri Solomon Packianathan) soon yielded the first fruits of the mission in Dornakal, Andhrapradesh. The Lambadies of this area were the first recipients of the joy of the Gospel. Dornakal became a diocese in 1912. A magnificent cathedral now stands at Dornakal as a witness to the sacrificial toil of our missionaries.

By His abundant grace through our total commitment, we have grown in leaps and bounds. Today, in the hundred and third year of its inception, the word of God is proclaimed in 20 states of India. We have more than 652  missionaries, working in 3900 villages. 255 churches have been built prayers are conducted in 741 house churches also. We have established 5 schools and 24 hostels to impart education to the needy children. We have also established 8 medical centers for rendering medical help to poor people & 10 rehabilitation centers. 

Our Centenary Vision is (1) to open  a Mission Center in (a) every district by 2028, (b) at every  Panchayat by 2053 and (c) every village by 2103, (2) to open mission fields in  Jammu, Tibet and Bhutan and (3)  to translate the Bible into Indian Languages into which no other organization has translated so far. New testament has already been translated in Banjara(Andhra) language and is being translated in Desiya language using Oriya script. Three books of New Testament are in print.