On July 12, Rev. Dr. Bijoy Roul passed into glory after a brief hospitalization. He joins his late wife and partner in ministry, Manjula, who passed in 2019. Bijoy ran a marathon of a race and finished well. He studied at Allahabad Bible Seminary in northern India in the 1970’s, where he is remembered as one of their best students as well as a great cook. It was during this time that he became acquainted with Brethren in Christ ministries through his seminary professor William Hoke. In the ensuing years, Bijoy was commissioned to a lifetime of ministry with Brethren in Christ back in his home state of Odisha, where he has catalyzed church planting movements amid persecution.
One of the several hats he wore was that of radio pastor of our Odia-language radio program, Shanti Data (Giver of Peace). He has been the voice behind this beloved broadcast since 1990 and was also responsible for sourcing and arranging the musical content for most of our other language programs in India. Bijoy served as the overseer and coordinator of all aspects of the Good News Hour ministry, including listener follow-up, seekers meetings, community outreach, and literacy training. He was also the secretary for the Good News Hour Board of Directors.
Many listeners have been blessed through hearing the word and through spiritual encouragement and guidance provided through letters, literature, phone calls, and personal visits. Bijoy and his family have shepherded and discipled many believers in their growing fellowship, baptizing those who make a profession of faith and adding them to local churches.
As movements in Odisha have spilled over into neighboring states and even the countries of Nepal and Bhutan, Bijoy’s leadership responsibilities grew. For many years, he served as Bishop of BIC churches throughout Odisha and several neighboring states, as well as the BIC ministry coordinator for India, Nepal, and Bhutan. One observation he noted in his work was that the Lord desires for every believer to be involved in ministry. Movements are catalyzed when the entire body is involved in outreach and discipleship, not just the ministry leadership. In 2008, Bijoy published a book, God Wants His Church to Grow, which discusses his ministry observations and experiences in Odisha, as well as principles and best practices he gleaned through the years.
We grieve this tremendous loss and lift up Bijoy’s sons Andrew and David, their families, and our partner workers in the region in prayer. The upcoming weeks will be a period of transition as we work with our partners on the ground. As faithful servants finish their races, we know that the Lord will raise new leaders and workers to take over the reins.
Please join us in prayer over our work in India, Nepal, and Bhutan and consider supporting these ministries during this time of transition.
