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 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.
Help Missionaries Shepherd New Believers in South Asia
A Hindu man left his life of idol worship after he met a Christian worker who led him to Christ. Despite the opposition of his family, he believes he found truth in Jesus. “I stopped worshipping idols and photos and visiting temples,” he said. “I knew that they were false and misleading.” He is one of many men and women who have abandoned their traditional religions to follow Christ. Monthly Bible classes have blessed nearly 600 people, encouraging them through Scripture and fellowship. Donations of $60 or $120 help missionaries disciple and encourage new believers. Pray for strength and wisdom for those who trust in Christ despite opposition from their families.
Help Workers Connect With Local Tribes in Bangladesh
Church planting and evangelism have been fruitful among the people of Bangladesh, and the recent completion of one ministry’s new church building culminated in a dedication ceremony in which Christian leaders preached a revival meeting. “Many people have revived and praised the Lord Jesus Christ,” said the ministry leader. Nineteen Christian workers have also committed to evangelism with local tribes. Overall, the ministry thanks God for the 1,940 people from several tribal villages who have committed their lives to Christ. Donations of $60 or $120 will help indigenous missionaries throughout the country evangelize the lost. Pray for hearts to be open to hear the gospel.
Assist Native Workers’ Evangelism in South Asia
A handicapped girl received a wheelchair and 315 people obtained medicine at a free medical clinic provided by a native ministry. Christian workers also serve free midday meals to 40 senior adults at a nearby old age home and oversee a children’s home in which 15 children live. Leaders conduct prayer meetings among ministry staff on a monthly basis to encourage one another. “It’s been a great blessing to our missionaries,” the leader said regarding the monthly prayer meetings. Donations of $25 and $50 help support indigenous missionaries. Pray for God to sustain Christian leaders in their community evangelism.
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.