North India Community Outreach
A Humanitarian and Gospel Ministry

Dinesh Chand was born and raised in an orthodox Hindu family in Himachal Pradesh. Before the age of 20 he turned from a Hindu, to an atheist, to an agnostic. In 1987 Dinesh finally came to know about the truth of Jesus Christ through the persistent and faithful witness of a tourist from New York.

To pursue the call of God, he attended Tung Ling Bible School in Singapore, graduating with honors in 1991. Returning to India, he began in a truly entry level position that of a church janitor in Delhi. He soon became a sought minister and later was ordained as the church pastor. During those years he also worked as the national director for leadership development ministry conducting training and leadership seminars for pastors and leaders throughout North India. Click map at right to enlarge


The Beginning of NICO

In 1997 the Lord began moving in Dinesh's heart to minister to his own people in Himachal Pradesh, India. The following year, by a step of faith, he and his wife, Rachel moved their home to Simla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh.

During their first year in Himachal Dinesh and Rachel traveled throughout North India and laid the foundation for their ministry through many prayer journeys. They crossed over mountains, villages, towns and cities seeking the Lord's plan to reach the people. They saw the Lord do many powerful miracles. The Lord laid it on their hearts to raise up workers who would reach out to these unreached villages.

With this vision was born North India Community Outreach, NICO. It is NICO's vision to Reach the Unreached through Leadership Training Conferences, supporting full time Pastors and Church planters, Children's Outreach programs, homes for children, and sponsorship for the needy.



Versha's fight for a normal life

Please meet little Versha. She has been in NICO's children's home since November 2003. This child was severely burned by her mother when she was only 2 years of age. This was an intentional act - But through God's intervention she has found safe haven in the children's home.

She had already undergone 2 surgeries in India that we not fully successful. An organization in America is ready to provide plastic surgery and a family is ready to host her.

Since January 2006, Dinesh and Rachael Chand have been trying to find the best way to bring Versha to the US for this plastic surgery.    Recently while Dinesh and Rachael were in the village to get the needed signatures from the parents, Versha’s mother was arrested for the charges against her for burning her daughter.  One of her parents still needs to stand before the passport authorities to allow their minor daughter a passport.  Versha’s father is deaf and mute and with Versha’s mother in jail we ask you to please pray with us as we seek favor from the Indian authorities overseeing Versha’s case. 

UPDATE July 1st, 2006

"Dear Partners, Two weeks ago Versha gave testimony in front of 300 people that her doctors will put her to sleep and then they will cut her neck and lip but when it is all over she will have a new smile. Today Versha had the surgery and after recovery she will have her smile back for the first time in 4 years.

We all thank you for your prayers. Versha is in a lot of pain right now both physically and emotionally. She has gone through so much in her short life and touched so many. Please continue to pray for her complete healing and for strength for her host family. Many blessings, -Rachel & Dinesh"

Visit the NICO website here.