Markapur (Markapuram) is a historic town in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, India, known for its deep cultural heritage, rich agricultural economy, and growing regional influence. Home to the stunning 135 foot Chennakesava Swamy Temple and surrounded by the Eastern Ghats, Markapur serves as a commercial hub for cotton, groundnut, and traditional handloom weaving. With over 71,000 residents and expanding infrastructure connected to the Veligonda Water Project, the area remains a strategic center for both spiritual and community development. For more than six years, FBCEP has partnered with Compassion Focus Ministries (CFM) to strengthen church planting efforts in Markapur and surrounding villages. Through discipleship booklets, evangelistic outreach, financial support for orphans, assistance for widows, and drilling water wells in villages and tribal communities, this partnership has opened significant doors for Gospel ministry. In August–September 2023, four FBCEP missionaries visited Markapur on an exploratory trip and witnessed firsthand the immense spiritual, physical, and social needs, along with the receptiveness of the people to the Gospel.

Since our partnership began, FBCEP has worked closely with Compassion Focus Ministries (CFM), led by Pastor Franklin Nandigam, who lives and ministers in one of the poorest regions of Markapur. With CFM’s vision to plant churches in more than twenty villages, and ongoing ministries serving orphans, widows, and pastors, the opportunity for mission teams to make a lasting impact is tremendous. Perhaps God is calling you to go, to encourage believers, to train leaders, to love orphans and widows, and to proclaim Christ among unreached communities in Markapur, India.

CFM’s ministry includes:

• Planting churches in villages and tribal communities
• Providing care, discipleship, and education to fifty orphans
• Supporting widows through training and small business initiatives (such as sewing)
• Training pastors and church planters
• Coordinating water well projects in areas without safe drinking water

Pastor Franklin and his family and mission team, they have a heart for reaching the unreached and equipping local believers to take ownership of the Great Commission in their communities. FBCEP is committed to continuing this partnership, assisting with church planting efforts, and ongoing discipleship ministries.