Churches Multiply in North India

With a population of 1.4 billion, India is the largest country in the world. Of that vast number, only 2% are Christian. The ruling BJP party openly promotes Hinduism and seeks to limit the freedom and influence of other religions. Christians are often met with hostility and sometimes become the victims of violent persecution. Despite such opposition, the Lord is doing amazing things through courageous ministers who are willing to believe and obey.

From Poverty to Fruitfulness
Six years ago, Pastor M and his wife were day laborers eking out a living. A coworker led them to the Lord, and they were soon called into ministry, evangelizing and praying for the sick after their daytime labors. They started a church in the hut where they were living, then built a shed on donated land. The Lord continued to bless their efforts so that, today, their congregation numbers 500! They have also raised up and trained leaders to care for six daughter churches!

Pastor M's congregation.

Celebrating Pastor M's new building.

A Miracle Opens the Door
When Pastor P first brought the gospel into one village, everyone rejected him. But, one day, he was summoned by the village chief. Upon his arrival, he found that the chief’s daughter was severely ill. The chief said that if Jesus would heal his daughter, then he would follow Jesus. God answered Pastor P’s prayer with a miraculous healing, opening the village to the gospel! Now 36 families in the village have come to Christ!

Pastor P's congregation.

Pastor P's church celebration.

Pastor P's church and congregation.

Celebrating an Answered Prayer
After obtaining a degree in education, Pastor S was led to open a primary school for underprivileged children in his village. Though they had no training in ministry, he and his young wife began sharing the love of God with their neighbors. Slowly, people started flocking to his tiny house for more of God. The congregation grew rapidly, and for two years they prayed fervently for a place of worship. Then God provided the funds through a generous donor in the United States. Pastor S donated his own land, and the church members gathered at 6 a.m. every day to work on the building, which was completed in 40 days! Hundreds gathered for the grand opening to thank God for answering their prayers. Pastor S has already planted three more house churches in the surrounding region.

Celebrating Pastor S's new church.

Pastor S's church and congregation.

Praying for Pastor S and his wife.

POINTS FOR PRAYER
• Pray for strength and anointing for the courageous pastors, evangelists, and church planters in North India.
• Pray against the spiritual forces of darkness, which employ government power to oppress churches and restrict their activities.
• Pray for the churches to be protected from anti-Christian violence, and for the evangelists to be able to preach freely in unreached villages.
• Pray for us as we oversee mission efforts in 12 Asian countries. Pray for wisdom, grace, and provision for the work.

Thank you for partnering with us to fulfill the Great Commission in Asia!

Russell & Sandra Board

"Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God." - William Carey