Strategic World Evangelism
ABOUT:
Strategic World Evangelism (SWE) was founded around 1970 by Leonard and Pamela Thompson, modeled after the Apostle Paul’s strategy of beginning evangelism in major urban centers and spreading outward.
From its inception, SWE focused on reaching the un-evangelized upper and middle classes of India and Asia—particularly educated and influential leaders—through seed-planting ministry. Early efforts centered on direct preaching in major Indian cities, supported by extensive use of media, including shortwave radio broadcasts across Asia, printed magazines, booklets, tracts, and correspondence courses designed for those from non-Christian religions. These materials later became published books used widely for follow-up. SWE also complemented its evangelistic work with social outreach through a Home for the Aged, which initially provided free care.
From 2016 onward, significant transitions reshaped the ministry, including the passing of Pamela Thompson, increased travel demands on Leonard Thompson, and growing government restrictions and persecution of Christians in India. As shortwave radio declined, SWE shifted to television broadcasting and now airs six half-hour programs weekly in four languages—English, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi—reaching a potential audience of approximately 30 million viewers across South Asia and parts of the Middle East. Follow-up ministry is conducted through telephone counseling and a private, secure teaching website designed for seekers from non-Christian backgrounds. Despite challenges, SWE continues actively through media outreach, teaching, and published resources, united under its enduring proclamation and vision: Jesus is Lord.
Strategic World Evangelism (SWE) was founded around 1970 by Leonard and Pamela Thompson, modeled after the Apostle Paul’s strategy of beginning evangelism in major urban centers and spreading outward.
From its inception, SWE focused on reaching the un-evangelized upper and middle classes of India and Asia—particularly educated and influential leaders—through seed-planting ministry. Early efforts centered on direct preaching in major Indian cities, supported by extensive use of media, including shortwave radio broadcasts across Asia, printed magazines, booklets, tracts, and correspondence courses designed for those from non-Christian religions. These materials later became published books used widely for follow-up. SWE also complemented its evangelistic work with social outreach through a Home for the Aged, which initially provided free care.
From 2016 onward, significant transitions reshaped the ministry, including the passing of Pamela Thompson, increased travel demands on Leonard Thompson, and growing government restrictions and persecution of Christians in India. As shortwave radio declined, SWE shifted to television broadcasting and now airs six half-hour programs weekly in four languages—English, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi—reaching a potential audience of approximately 30 million viewers across South Asia and parts of the Middle East. Follow-up ministry is conducted through telephone counseling and a private, secure teaching website designed for seekers from non-Christian backgrounds. Despite challenges, SWE continues actively through media outreach, teaching, and published resources, united under its enduring proclamation and vision: Jesus is Lord.
