A Sikh Encounters the Gospel
Bakht Singh Chabra was born on June 6, 1903, in Joiya village, Sargodha District of Punjab, British India, into a devout Sikh family. Despite his religious upbringing, Singh found himself drawn to a Western lifestyle as he pursued higher education in England and Canada. However, it was during his studies at the University of Manitoba in 1929 that a profound transformation began.
Finding Peace in Christ
Staying with John and Edith Hayward, devoted Christians, Bakht Singh was introduced to the New Testament. As he read it, he felt a deep sense of God's love and presence, which led him to embrace faith in Jesus Christ. He later described this experience as discovering peace and rest in his heart, something he had never known before. "The only thing God is building in this world is his church," he would often say, a conviction that shaped the rest of his life.
A Call to Total Trust
In 1932, Bakht Singh was baptized in Vancouver and soon felt a call to full-time service under God's guidance. This calling was marked by three conditions: he would never share his financial needs with others, join any organizations, or make his own plans. Trusting God entirely, he returned to Mumbai, India, in 1933. Despite his family's initial rejection due to his conversion, Singh's commitment to his faith never wavered.
Building the Indian Church
In India, Bakht Singh began preaching on the streets of Mumbai, drawing large crowds with his passionate message. His ministry expanded rapidly, and by 1941, he had established thoroughly contextualized local assemblies based on New Testament principles. His gatherings, known as "Holy Convocations," attracted thousands, and many experienced miraculous healings through prayer. Bakht Singh's work led to the founding of Hebron Ministries and the establishment of thousands of churches across India. Singh's legacy as a leader in the Indian Church movement and a pioneer of Gospel contextualization remains influential. He believed in the autonomy of local churches and emphasized the equality of all believers in Christ. As he once said, "I have never asked any man for anything, but the Lord is richly supplying all my needs." His life and ministry continue to inspire countless individuals to live in total obedience to God's Word.
