Pray for India

One of the largest countries in the world, India is home to 1.5 billion people spread across more than one million square miles. The communities are diverse, from tiny villages made of old homes stacked high on the Himalayas to tremendous cities filled with a host of skyscrapers, stretching out for miles. Family is central to life across much of Indian society. Major life decisions — whom to marry or what career to pursue — are often made in partnership with parents. Their lives are also deeply intertwined with grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who may all live under the same roof. Indian culture greatly values the elderly. When an older man enters a room, those sitting are expected to stand and offer him their seat. During important conversations, the oldest man or woman will lead the discussion.

In India, around 150 million people live on $2 or less a day. Children often lack the food and care they need, and roughly 30 million are orphans. Millions suffer from the effects of malnutrition. India’s large population also makes sanitation difficult to manage. Many people lack clean water and live in places where diseases like cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis are widespread. Though officially outlawed, caste discrimination continues to hold great influence over the culture. Often, the worst jobs and homes are reserved for people of the lowest caste, and ignored by much of society, these people are forced to live their lives in dirt and despair. Corruption seeping into India’s government has diverted protection and power away from those in need. The ruling Hindu party has turned religion into a matter of national identity, and members of other faiths are being persecuted as “anti-nationalists.” Indians also often pay bribes to government officials to access public services or to avoid the law.

India has more unreached people groups than any other country. In fact, 95 percent of Indians don’t even know who Jesus is! While roughly 70 percent of people practice Hinduism, only about 2 percent identify as Christian. Because of India’s massive population, even minority religions like Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism have millions of followers. Though Christian communities have made significant contributions to education, healthcare, and social services, many still see churches as a threat. Hindu extremists and anti-conversion laws make it dangerous to share the Gospel. Those who choose to follow Jesus often risk losing their status, jobs, homes, and even lives. As concerns about the government’s grip on power grows, Christian organizations are being forced out, and churches are being driven underground. Despite  persecution, foreign and local Christians courageously press on. The Church is spreading throughout India, serving the needy and sharing the hope of Jesus.