A story of ordinary people, an extraordinary God, and a city He refused to leave untouched.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord - plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
The story of NLFAG Kanpur is not the story of an institution - it is the story of a calling. It began with a prayer, a vision over a city, and two servants willing to say yes to God without knowing the full plan. What followed is a testimony of His faithfulness across two decades.
God placed a shared burden on the hearts of Sis. R.V. and Bro. V. Varghese - both from New Delhi. Meeting at a prayer conference in Lucknow, Bro. Varghese carried a vision to reach professionals for Jesus in North India, while Sis. R.V. felt called to reach the lost. During prayer, God spoke clearly to her about Kanpur city, showing a vision of a hall ready for the gospel. They began studying the city - its history, its culture - and interceding for a gospel breakthrough.
In the early months, Bro. Varghese, Sis. R.V., and a dedicated team of prayer warriors began interceding for Kanpur. During one of their prayer drives into the city, Sis. R.V. witnessed a vision of evil forces retreating and angels receiving the intercession team as they entered Kanpur - a powerful confirmation that God was at work preparing the ground.
Bro. Varghese moved to the heart of Kanpur, followed by Sis. R.V. Together they birthed the Counselling Centre for Personal Development (CCPD), advertising it across the city. People came with diverse needs - adolescent struggles, behavioral issues, career guidance, pre-marital counselling, addiction, and depression. God used CCPD as a mission gateway, leading to new connections and small house meetings - the first seeds of what would become NLFAG.
The Lord miraculously provided a beautiful service banquet hall in the very heart of Kanpur - rent free. New Life Fellowship Assembly of God (NLFAG) began gathering there for Sunday worship. The congregation worshipped faithfully in that space until the restaurant's sale in September 2011, when God again opened a door - moving NLFAG to the historic E.P. Church building, a storied Pentecostal landmark that had been standing vacant in the city.
In 2006, Pastor Alwin Joy came from Kerala to Kanpur for a six-month internship while studying at Bible College. God wove his heart into the vision and the people. Though he never initially planned to return, God's purpose prevailed. In 2007, God moved Bro. Varghese to another assignment, and Rev. Joy from Kerala was brought to lead NLFAG's ministries. In April 2008, after completing his graduation, God called Rev. Alwin Joy back to Kanpur to continue the ministry - a call he embraced in faith despite early difficulties and seasons of discouragement.
The early seasons under Rev. Alwin Joy's leadership were marked by testing - leadership shifts, members moving away, and the weight of ministering largely alone. Yet God did not allow him to leave Kanpur. Instead, He strengthened him step by step. As Rev. Joy remained obedient, God began blessing the ministry visibly: people came, new leaders were raised, churches were planted, a Bible Training Centre was established, care cells were launched, and NLFAG became a blessing to churches across India and beyond.
Under the continued leadership of Senior Pastor Rev. Alwin Joy, NLFAG Kanpur stands as a testimony to God's faithfulness - a recognised church of the Assemblies of God in North India, with multiple thriving ministries, a growing congregation, and an unshakeable vision for revival in Kanpur city. The church continues to pray for the city, train workers for the nations, and pursue the Great Commission with faith and love.
Our Motto
With this motto, God has enabled us to grow and influence many people into a deeper experience with Christ. We welcome you to join us in this journey of flourishing lives with the incense of salvation.
The best chapters of NLFAG Kanpur are still being written. God is still moving, still calling, still building. Come and add your chapter to His story.
