Transforming Lives Through Faith & Service

For over three decades, the Christian Mission of South India has served communities across 35+ villages — providing spiritual leadership, medical care, education, and sustainable development to those who need it most.
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Our Mission

Advancing the Gospel, Serving Communities

Established in 1991 by Dr. Benni Vedanayagam, CMSI is committed to fulfilling the Great Commission by advancing the Gospel and serving communities across South India.
Guided by faith and a dedication to holistic ministry, CMSI engages in Bible training, church planting, rural development, medical outreach, education initiatives, women’s empowerment, and disaster relief.
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What We Do

Current & Ongoing Projects

Eight active programs reaching communities across South India with spiritual, medical, educational, and economic support.

Bible Training

Training centers raising leaders and planting churches, equipping local believers with theological education.

Church Planting

Following the Great Commission, establishing faith communities across rural South India.

Medical Services

Free medical, dental, and eye camps in rural villages with no nearby healthcare facilities.

Literature Ministry

Distributing gospel literature and educational materials through partnership with LATM.

Rural Development

Clean drinking water tanks, fishing equipment for tsunami-affected families, and infrastructure projects.

Children's Education

After-school tutoring, counseling, arts programs, and summer retreats — access to learning for every child.

Women's Empowerment

Tailoring machines and training for women and widows, creating sustainable economic independence.

Disaster Relief

Rapid response across regions affected by cyclones, floods, tsunamis, and COVID-19.

Our Impact

Three Decades of Faithful Service

35+

Villages Reached

30+

Years of Service

8

Active Programs

1991

Year Established
Our Founder

Dr. Benni Vedanayagam

Born on May 25, 1959, the youngest of nine siblings in an agricultural family, Dr. Benni dreamed of becoming a doctor to serve his village — but financial constraints led him to study Botany instead.
His heart yearned to serve his people through ministry — and he devoted his life to doing exactly that.
After earning his Bachelor’s in Botany and Master’s from Madras Christian College, Dr. Benni volunteered in village ministry. He later studied Theology and Greek at the University of Cincinnati, then returned to South India with renewed purpose.
In 1991, with just two other men, he founded CMSI — and for over 30 years has faithfully served communities across more than 35 villages.
Leadership

Board Members

DB

Danny R. Bowen

Chairman of the Board
HM

Hannah Monhollen

Secretary
LB

Leslie Bowen

Board Member
CM

Codie Monhollen

Forwarding Agent
Mission Representative
LD

Lydia Drury

Mission Representative