THE sights and sounds of India are being brought to life for supporters of a Christian charity working in the country, thanks to virtual reality.

Mission India, which works through local projects to plant churches, improve adult literacy, and run children’s clubs, works in India and has supporters and donors in the UK and the United States.

The charity’s UK director, Andy Milligan, said: “For many years, we have come alongside churches and missions in every corner of India, equipping them to do the work God has called them to do, so the churches they plant are theirs. But the challenge can often be communicating the vision and the immense need to the UK public in a clear and compelling way. Since we’ve introduced the VR technology, we have seen a huge increase in engagement and clarity about what we do and how folks can get involved.”

Mission India works only with Indian nationals; so it is not able to offer mission trips to supporters. White visitors would lead to suspicion about the projects, Mr Milligan said.

The virtual-reality experiences take supporters on a 12-minute “tour” of India and some of the charity’s projects. The response to it has been “phenomenal”, Mr Milligan said.

The virtual-reality experience is being shown in churches and schools. To request a screening, email mission@missionindia.org.uk.