Country Served:

Nepal

Dates:

1965-1992

Famous Quote:

“They live now with Jesus and some day we will live with them too.” A convert responded when asked where the Colins family was after their death.

Major Influence:

Brought the Gospel to the Tibetan people of China. Established the first Baptist church of the Tibet people.

Short Story:

     In 1965 a boy by the name of Martin Joseph Collins was born. At the age of 18 he accepted Christ as his personal savior. Just a few short months after salvation he surrendered to be a missionary and then eventually got married and enrolled in a Bible college  in Greeneville, South Carolina. All throughout their college years God did not show them where He wanted them to serve.

     Finally, a missionary to Brazil mentioned the people of Tibet, China. Joe Collins and his wife surrendered to go to the Tibet people of China, but only after a spiritual battle in the heart of Mrs. Collins. 

     Some of the reasons, possibly that there was such a spiritual battle going on might have been for a few different reasons. Tibet is in China which prohibits missionaries. Secondly Tibet is also located in the Himalayan mountains – The roof of the world. The people there practice a form of Buddhism that is extremely demonic. Only 3 missionary endeavors have been attempted to this people group. Satan did not want the light of the gospel to shine through to these people.

     God continued to work and open doors, and the Collins family finally went to the country of Nepal and to a group of Tibet refugees, where they hoped that being transplanted their hearts would be open to the gospel.

      Why would this family surrender their lives to go a place where there was no refrigeration and no sanitation. A country where were it not for the Tibet refugees, would probably be the only completely Hindu nation in the world.

      After 2 years of ministry, several had been saved and discipled. In fact a Tibet man had surrendered to God’s cal to preach. Joe was intensely training this man to be the first pastor of the little flock of people – the first Baptist church ever established among the Tibetan people.

       On July 31st 1992, the whole Collins family boarded a plane to take a short trip to visit some missionary friends in Thailand. After taking off, the plane crashed into the Himalayan mountains. We don’t have the answers as to why God would take this family from a much needed work. But we can learn from the faith, sacrifice, and commitment to Jesus Christ. 

Written and Prepared by Jon Allinson 2002