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
0
People who heard the gospel last year
0
New churches planted
0

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

Fellowship with Believers in Remote Villages in Pakistan
Pray the Lord will protect missionaries as they share the gospel in remote places. Local missionaries journeyed to a village of 100 people to share the gospel, and they were humbled by the joy with which they were met. “Despite the hardships of living without electricity and the long journeys required to fetch water, the villagers welcomed us with open arms and eager hearts,” the ministry leader said. “Their enthusiasm for hearing the message of Jesus Christ was truly inspiring.” During their visit, the missionaries distributed all the Bibles they brought with them. Your donations support evangelism in remote places.
Assist Those Overcome With Challenges in Pakistan
Pray the Lord will comfort those overwhelmed by difficult circumstances. When the home of a widow and her three children was severely damaged by unending rain, the local church community banded together to fix her house. “We wasted no time and were somehow able to manage construction materials, and our church members demonstrated unwavering support as they generously donated their time, skills, and funds,” the ministry leader said. “Today, she [the widow] has rediscovered the strength of faith and love surrounding her.” Your donations support local ministries as they assist those in need.
Comfort the Sick and Fearful in South Asia
Pray that the lost will find their hope in Jesus. After she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a woman visited various temples in search of healing. But her friends encouraged her to visit a local church instead, and she agreed. Not only did the church pastor pray for her, but he invited the entire congregation to pray too. “As a result of their prayers, the tumor miraculously shrunk, which allowed for a much less aggressive surgery, ultimately resulting in her complete healing,” a local ministry leader said. Because of this experience, the woman committed her life to Jesus and regularly attends church. Your donations of $25 or $50 support ministry to the lost.
Lift Up Those Suffering for Their Faith in South Asia
Pray the Lord will strengthen those who put their faith in Him. A man from a poor family faced abuse most of his life from people wealthier than his own family, and he prayed to Hindu gods to help him. But when a local missionary encouraged him to give his burdens to the living God, the man entrusted his life to Jesus. “I firmly held onto my faith in Jesus, and within two months, I had my first vision of Jesus Christ surrounded by a soothing light,” the man said. “I felt peace in my heart.” Donations support local missionaries as they share the gospel with the lost.
Stand With Missionaries Through Their Trials in South Asia
Pray for Christian workers who are persecuted for their faith. A local ministry leader who has spent years translating the Bible, teaching Bible classes, and leading prayer groups was arrested by local authorities who opposed his work. Many people from the village demanded his release, and when the village leader offered bail for the missionary, the authorities released him. His experience has drawn more people to the Lord, with another local ministry leader noting that the church there is now growing faster than ever before. Donations of $60 or $120 assist missionaries who serve the Lord in places opposed to the gospel.
Build Christ-Centered Friendships in Bangladesh
Pray for missionaries as they build relationships and share the gospel with others. A farmer gave his life to Christ through the evangelism of a local missionary in his village, and through the missionary’s discipleship, the farmer not only learned how to share the gospel and pray, but he also learned the importance of tithing. Now, not only does the farmer host a small Bible study for other farmers who are interested in the gospel, but he also regularly tithes. Your donations support evangelism and discipleship such as this.