The second most populous country in the world, India is home to more than 1.35 billion souls. Though English is commonly spoken, more than 19,000 other languages and dialects are also present. Hinduism and Islam are the majority religions; Christianity claims only a statistical sliver of the population.
Religious persecution has increased since 2014, when a fundamentalist Hindu political party came to power. Christian converts from Hindu backgrounds are especially targeted, since they’re accused of bringing bad fortune to their communities. Lately, persecution has also included Christian communities denied help from the government and Christian individuals feeling outcast by society.
As always, God is also on the move. Christians from around the country testify to miraculous provision by the Lord through local churches. Churches—like Redeemer in Delhi—are being planted. New theological institutions—like Hindi Bible College in North India—are being started. Even in a difficult year, important events—like All India Pastors Conference—are being held. And we’re currently in the process of forming a TGC India chapter to support the work of the local pastors and leaders. God is at work!
Ways to pray:
- Thanksgiving for the faithfulness of Indian believers, despite persecution
- For the hostility to end—that the government may protect Christians from persecution, and that the persecutors might repent of their sin
- For the local ministries and churches being raised in such a difficult year, and for the future launch of TGC India—that the Lord might use it to support the local churches
“To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame;
let not my enemies exult over me.
Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.” Psalm 25:1-3
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