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

Encourage Those New To The Faith in Sri Lanka
A boy who could not speak began attending a native ministry’s preschool program, and ministry staff not only prayed for the child, but they also ministered to his mother. Through their faithful prayers, the little boy began to speak, and his mother accepted Christ as Savior. Though she now faces opposition because of her new faith, she has not wavered. “Our response is being ever grateful to our Savior Jesus and always giving glory and praise to our God in whom we live, breathe, and have our being,” the ministry leader said. Your donations of $25 or $50 help native missionaries reach the lost. Pray that God will strengthen those new to the faith.
Support New Believers’ Deepening Faith in South Asia
More than 50 women attended a women’s conference organized by a native ministry to learn about the power of prayer. Most of the participants are ministry leaders themselves, and they expressed their gratitude for the many sessions available for them to attend during the conference, which was called “Empowerment through Prayer.” “Through this conference I have learned to pray for the nations and to intercede for others,” said one participant. “This conference is eye opening for me to know many new things.” Your gifts of $25 or $50 help support discipleship opportunities such as this one. Pray for women in ministry.
Plant Gospel Seeds in Bangladesh
A Hindu woman in a native ministry’s tailoring program was amazed by a missionary’s story of Jesus following the conclusion of class one day. She invited the missionary to her home because her husband, a rickshaw driver, wanted to know more about Jesus too. The couple was so in awe of the gospel stories that the missionaries returned again and again, telling them stories of Christ and reading through other Scripture. Funds help support native workers in evangelism and outreach such as this. Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in spiritually dark places and change the hearts of the people.
Help Lead The Lost To Christ in South Asia
Ministry workers laid the foundation stone for a new prayer hall, an exciting step toward creating a new place of worship in the region. Evangelism has been so fruitful here that many of the 400 to 500 worshippers sit outside the current meeting place each Sunday because there is not enough space inside for all to come together. The new prayer hall will accommodate 1,000 people, and Christian workers are excited about what God has planned for His people there. Funds help native ministries in their evangelism efforts across the region. Pray for ministry workers to trust in God’s provision.
Embolden Workers Fighting Spiritual Battles in South Asia
For years, evil spirits tormented a devout follower of a native religion, and his religion’s magicians could not help him. Finally, he visited a Christian church and asked for prayer. A ministry worker shared the gospel and prayed for the distressed man, who was then attacked by the spirits until he fell unconscious. When he awoke, the spirits had left. “I thank God for delivering me from the bondage of the evil spirits, and He has given me new life and freedom in the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said. Donations of $60 or $120 help train native workers for such evangelism. Pray for missionaries on the frontlines of spiritual warfare.
Provide Native Workers With Outreach Tools in Pakistan
A native ministry has sparked change in a region of Pakistan in which child labor is a normal part of life. Through community outreach such as distributing school supplies to families, ministry workers can now report that 30 children who once worked in the brick kiln factories are now attending school instead. “This transformation is a testament to the gospel’s capacity to elevate, empower, and reshape lives for the better,” the ministry leader said. Your donations help native workers with community outreach such as this. Pray that the gospel emboldens families to make positive changes for their futures.