South Asia

Where We Assist

South Asia

At a Glance

  • Religious (Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist) nationalism
  • Increasing violence toward Christians
  • Poverty, especially among Christians
  • High number of unreached people groups
  • Increasing numbers of evangelical Christians
  • Unreached people groups: 3,661

Persecution of Christians is on the rise throughout South Asia, yet Christianity is rapidly spreading. In many areas, believers are subject to physical violence and false accusations leading to imprisonment. Northern India still contains the world’s largest number of unreached people groups; however, India’s Christian leaders are beginning to collaborate to reach them. Christians are often at the bottom of the socio-economic strata, as the gospel is taking root among low-caste populations. Though India is the world’s largest democracy, more than 300 million people live below the poverty line. Indigenous ministries provide holistic care to improve people’s situations while sharing the hope of Christ.

Ministry Highlight

Through its Bible correspondence course, a ministry in Pakistan provided thorough biblical instruction to more than 3,000 students throughout the country. They also helped nearly 900 persecuted Christians, including those whose homes were burned due to accusations of blasphemy against Islam. In their seven children’s centers, they provided Christian education to over 300 children.

Countries
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People who heard the gospel last year
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New churches planted
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How You Can Make a Difference

Radical groups in South Asian countries are actively pursuing the eradication of Christians, making ministry increasingly difficult for local believers. Higher levels of persecution have not deterred indigenous missionaries from sharing the gospel; however, they need your support to help them continue making disciples for Christ amid fierce opposition.

From the Mission Field in South Asia

Support Critical Outreach To Hungry Families in Sri Lanka
Because of a native ministry’s food distribution program, families in several villages have been able to feed their children. These families often do not have jobs because finding employment is difficult, and as a result, they do not have the income necessary to provide for basic necessities. One family that was a recipient of the food was able to resume their self-employment project from the support they received. Donations of $35 or $70 supports outreach to vulnerable families. Pray these men, women, and children will give their lives to Christ and trust in His unwavering faithfulness.
Reach Indigenous Tribes With The Gospel in Bangladesh
Missionaries from a native ministry have worked tirelessly among eight indigenous tribes, sharing the gospel and baptizing 1,940 people during a six-month period. Their work has had a transformative effect on many villages as people put their faith in Christ. “We have seen that the lives of people have been improving since the missionaries started working,” the ministry leader said. “Many have given up drinking wine and doing bad things. They have been interested to hear the word of God and go to church.” Donations of $60 or $120 support missionaries’ evangelism efforts. Pray their work will continue to expand the Lord’s kingdom.
Comfort The Poor And Oppressed in Pakistan
At a school run by a native ministry, 225 children from families who work in brick kilns are able to receive an education free of cost. These families are mired in debt bondage that often stretches back for generations, and ministries such as this one not only support these vulnerable children, but they also share the gospel, distribute Bibles, baptize new believers, establish Bible study groups, and teach Sunday school in the brick kiln villages. Your donations support ministries with their daily needs. Pray the Holy Spirit will fill with hope the hearts of those who daily struggle to survive.
Spread The Gospel Through Community Engagement in South Asia
Part of a native ministry’s outreach includes helping with people’s basic life necessities and expenses that many would otherwise not be able to afford. During the last three months, the ministry assisted seven people with medical expenses, nine with house payments, and six with motorcycle maintenance so they can travel through difficult terrains. In addition, the ministry provided 100 sewing machines to several pastors that will provide a regular source of income to them and their neighbors, which will help alleviate unemployment and poverty. Donations of $25 or $50 support community outreach such as this. Pray the Lord will sustain those who face economic challenges.
Encourage Persecuted Believers To Stay Faithful in South Asia
A native ministry organized 20 trauma healing workshops in various locations and in six different languages to encourage and support Christian workers and first-generation believers who have been persecuted for their faith. One of the workshop goals was to train counselors to help address the challenges Christians across the region face as they try to live out their faith in places hostile to the gospel. “To God be the glory, great things He is doing!” the ministry leader said. Your donations support ministry to persecuted Christians. Pray the Lord’s protection over believers in dangerous places.
Share the Salvation Message in South Asia
Pray for missionaries as they travel for the sake of the gospel. Because some villages that local missionaries visit are surrounded by mountains and difficult to reach, the missionaries will often stay for several days before they return home. During these visits, the missionaries lead continuous evangelism and fellowship meetings in which dozens of people over a six-month period have given their lives to Christ and were baptized, and others have been healed of sickness. “In every place we keep one or two trained leaders to continue the ministry,” the ministry leader said. “This type of ministry is called ‘penetrating the whole village.’” Your donations support missionaries in their evangelism efforts.