LRPF Research Examines The Timothy Initiative’s India Operations and Foreign Funding Network

Published by admin on July 10, 2026

The Timothy Initiative (TTI) is a United States-based evangelical missionary organization that operates in several countries with the stated objective of establishing churches through indigenous church-planters. In recent months, the organization has come under the scanner of Indian law enforcement agencies. Based on a complaint filed by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), a criminal case was registered by the Kothanur Police, Bengaluru, against The Timothy Initiative and several individuals associated with it over allegations relating to the illegal routing and utilization of foreign funds, including alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), and provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Over the years, the organization has expanded its activities across India through partnerships with local organizations and mission networks. As part of its continuing research into foreign-funded missionary organizations operating in India, the Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF) undertook a detailed examination of The Timothy Initiative’s operations in Tamil Nadu and its funding relationships with Indian entities.

The research focused on the foreign funding received by Evangelical Church Growth Mission (ECGM), Madurai, and its connections with overseas missionary organizations. Based on its findings, LRPF submitted a detailed complaint to the Directorate of Enforcement, requesting an investigation into the foreign contributions received by ECGM and the utilization of those funds.
According to LRPF’s research, ECGM has received substantial foreign contributions from The Timothy Initiative Inc., USA. The Forum also identified organizational linkages suggesting that Mr. David Nelms, Founder and Director of The Timothy Initiative, simultaneously serves as a Director of Gospelink Inc., USA, another missionary organization that has also provided financial support to ECGM.

LRPF’s research observed that the presence of common leadership across these foreign organizations, coupled with their substantially similar missionary objectives, warrants examination to determine the nature of the funding arrangements and whether the movement of foreign contributions through interconnected entities complies with the applicable regulatory framework.

The Forum further found information indicating that Mr. Joshua Vijay Kumar, Secretary of ECGM, has played a significant leadership role in The Timothy Initiative’s activities in India. LRPF submitted that the precise nature, scope, and operational relationship between ECGM and The Timothy Initiative merit detailed scrutiny by the competent authorities.

In its complaint, LRPF requested the Directorate of Enforcement to investigate the foreign contributions received by ECGM from The Timothy Initiative Inc. and Gospelink Inc., USA, examine the utilization of such funds by the recipient organization, and determine whether the transactions comply with the provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and other applicable laws.

The study forms part of LRPF’s broader research initiative aimed at examining foreign funding patterns, institutional linkages, and regulatory compliance of organizations receiving overseas contributions. The Forum continues to undertake evidence-based research and place its findings before the appropriate statutory authorities for examination in accordance with law.