Our History
The Early Years
Simon and Anjana Gounder are 4th generation migrants to Fiji from India. Both born into Hindu families, they met Christ in their late teens, in the same month and the same year. One early morning they met each other at the Nadi international airport in Fiji and were married a year later before about 700 witnesses. Together they nurtured four Hindi speaking churches. Their first church, Anand Assemblies of God grew from about 20 people to 250 in eight years. (Photo on right: Simon, Anjana and Sylvanas with Simon's parents.)
During this time Anjana worked full time as an elementary school teacher, progressing to the position of Assistant Principal. She was one of the first Indian women to receive a license to preach.
Simon worked full time for the church as well as volunteered as a marriage counselor for the Welfare Department. He toiled hard to help build the local area community Police Post. He was appointed by the Government of Fiji as a Justice of Peace. Simon also served as an executive member of the General Council of AOG, Fiji. He has preached in many countries. With help from the church members they built a sanctuary to seat 350 and a fellowship hall. The hall houses the church kitchen and a preschool.
Answering God's Call
In December 2002, Simon and Anjana moved to Los Angeles, CA in response to God's call. In September, 2004 they were commissioned as the first Asian Indian missionaries with US Missions. Their aim is to reach Asian Indians in as many US cities as possible. They continue to oversee their ministry in Fiji. To begin their 'Ministry' they have established their first bi-lingual (English/Hindi) church in Artesia, CA.
The Gounder's have a 9 year old son, Sylvanas, now in grade 4. He participates in all ministry activities and considers himself a junior missionary.