This update was written back when our longest serving missionaries, Graham and Carol Houghton, began their journey into retirement. Read about the amazing accomplishments they’ve had during their time serving with OMS - well done good and faithful servants.
We are in complete awe of the work God has done through Graham and Carol Houghton. Serving with OMS since the 1960s, it is an honour to have had them on our team for so long. They are now at a point where retirement is the next part of their journey, and they are able to enjoy some well deserved rest. What a life they have lived!
Dr Graham Houghton was the first OMS missionary sent from New Zealand in 1964. He went to India to work in the Madras Bible Seminary and directed his furloughs to gain a degree and a master’s qualification. During this time he met and married Carol, an American who had grown up in North India, a daughter of missionaries.
Graham went on to do a doctorate which impacted his perspective of the church and missionary life. He caught a vision of providing theological education similar to the courses offered overseas to stem the ‘brain drain’ as India’s finest minds studied abroad and many never returned to serve their country.
SAIACS (South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies) was built to focus on postgraduate theological courses to equip the leadership of the South Asian church. As SAIACS became an established Institute in the mid-1980s, Graham held the position of Principal for the next 20 years. SAIACS continues to be a centre of excellence 30 years on.
At a time when many people would slow down in life, Graham and Carol assisted in establishing a new Institute in North India called The Caleb Institute, focusing on the support and development of leaders in the growing church. Launching classes in 2016, the Caleb Institute continues to bring in new leaders each year, and see lives be changed! Graham and Carol have made a huge impact for the Kingdom and have demonstrated faith in action. We thank them both immensely for their contribution!
As of 2024, Carol now lives on her own in Maine, USA after Graham was promoted to glory in February 2022. She continues to be a prayer warrior for the ministries in India and of OMS around the world. An amazing couple we have been honoured to journey alongside for many years!
Originally written 3 April 2021.
Revised May 2024.
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