T.I.M.E. was founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1975 by Chacko Varghese, along with board members, Joe Collova, and Gary Meyer.
The primary ministries of The India Mission for Evangelism is Peniel Bible Seminary.
Peniel Bible Seminary is located in Kerala, India, about 30 miles inland from the coast of the Indian Ocean. The seminary is recognized and accredited by The Asia Theological Association (ATA), and offers a wide selection of degree programs and learning opportunities to meet the various needs of students in all different stages of life and ministry.
Peniel holds regular, Monday through Friday classes for men and women who are full-time students, as well as weekend classes for those who are already committed to a full-time career and are looking to improve their understanding of God’s Word and their effectiveness in ministry.
The student body includes everyone from those in neighboring villages to those coming from neighboring countries, providing a unique and diverse atmosphere on campus. Peniel provides on-campus living accommodations for single students as well as family housing for students who are married and have children.
Students have their meals at the main campus cafeteria. The main kitchen on campus is managed by a professional, resident chef who is assisted by the seminary students. The kitchen offers a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as morning and afternoon tea served seven days a week.
The Peniel library has nearly 30,000 volumes written in English, Hindi (the national language), and Malayalam (the state language). The library is managed and maintained by the librarian along with the help of seminary students.
Over 2,000 students have graduated from Peniel and have gone on to do ministry in all parts of India as well as in other parts of the world.
Students coming to Peniel have the option of pursuing Certificates, Diplomas, Bachelors, and Masters Degrees. Degree programs range from one to five years.
Peniel Academy & Children's Home
Peniel Academy and Children’s Home was started in 2006 and closed in 2020. It was located in Kerala, India, about 30 miles inland from the Indian Ocean, on the same campus as Peniel Bible Seminary.
The school followed the regulations of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), which is the higher level curriculum for K-12 schools in India and is internationally recognized.
Samuel & Aleyamma Chacko
Vineetha's parents, Samuel and Aleyamma Chacko, volunteered much of their time at Peniel. They were involved in the teaching, ministering, and administrative roles of the seminary. They also served as the headmaster and headmistress of Peniel Academy and Children's Home during its early years.
Samuel Chacko would regularly make trips to various places in North India and Nepal to do ministry. Peniel Seminary students would often travel with him.
Samuel Chacko passed away in April 2016 while at his home in Seattle, WA. Aleyamma Chacko now lives with her son and family in Atlanta, GA.