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.

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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

Celebrate With New Believers in South Asia
A local ministry leader praised the Lord for the abundant harvest he is witnessing through a television program on which he routinely preaches the Word of God. The program is broadcast in five languages, and the ministry receives hundreds of calls from listeners hoping to learn more about Jesus. One recent caller admitted he had abandoned his aging parents, but upon hearing the program, he returned home to be their caregiver. "The truths of the gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit are touching hundreds of people," the ministry leader said. Your donations support evangelism such as this.
Extend Christ’s Love to the Vulnerable in South Asia
During the course of a month, local missionaries distributed much-needed food and clothing to thousands of people, including two thousand people in 23 leprosy colonies. "Our hearts were touched when some of the leprosy sufferers approached us after the distribution," the ministry leader said. "Their faces lit up with joyful tears, expressing their deep gratitude for the gifts they had received. Despite losing limbs and eyesight, and suffering from infectious wounds, they were filled with happiness and expressed their heartfelt appreciation." Donations of $35 or $70 help provide relief to the poor and suffering.
Help Victims of Natural Disasters in South Asia
More than 10,000 people were evacuated from their communities in one South Asian country after severe floods affected the area. At least 15 people died, electricity was cut off, public transportation stopped, and access to clean water became difficult. Local missionaries immediately responded by distributing blankets, food, and clothing for adults and children throughout relief camps. "People were in desperate need of help," the ministry leader said. "Many recipients expressed their gratitude with tears in their eyes." Your donations help with such emergency relief.
South Asian Village Witnesses a Miracle
At first, when 50-year-old Camila* opened her home to her homeless sister and niece, she was relieved to have her family off the streets and in a safe place. But her niece suffered from schizophrenia, and because she did not have the proper medication, she became violent with Camila and her mother, abusing them with her fists and with her words. What had begun as an act of mercy for the people Camila loved most quickly dissolved into disaster.
Transform Lives With The Gospel in Pakistan
A man who considered himself a nominal Christian received a booklet from a local ministry and, as he read, he “gained a profound clarity about the nature of Jesus as the Son of God.” Previously, he struggled with doubts about his faith, particularly regarding Christ as divine, but he found all the answers to his questions within the booklet. His transformation was such that not only did his family also gain a new understanding of Christ, but so too did 13 of his extended family members. Donations are needed for such evangelism and discipleship. Pray for people to receive the gospel’s transformative power.
Support Biblical Education in Sri Lanka
A recent gift of five smartboards to a native ministry has provided an opportunity to expand the online theological program. The donation enables Christian leaders to better serve the needs of believers who are unable to attend some of the more than 230 available classes. Advanced biblical studies and Bible translation projects continue to bear fruit as well with hundreds of students enrolled in theology classes and 32 Bible translation projects underway. Donations are needed to help sustain such projects as discipleship training for future Christian leaders. Pray for the fellowship among believers as they seek to build a deeper relationship with Christ.