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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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 House Church Growth in South Asia
Because of increasing restrictions and persecution, native ministries rely more on house churches for evangelism and discipleship of new believers. Christian workers from one ministry visited several house churches and were encouraged by the people’s faith and testimonies. “It is also found that the house fellowships are grown up spiritually and strong in their faith in Christ, amidst increasing opposition,” the ministry leader said. “Believers regularly gather for fellowship, breaking the bread, and teaching of the Word, and also witnessing the Lord’s name in and through their lives.” Your gifts support the growth of house churches such as these. Pray for believers who face increasing hostility to Christianity.
Expand The Gospel’s Reach in Bangladesh
A young Buddhist man heard the gospel when a missionary traveled to his village and preached to the people. As a child, the young man had always questioned Buddhism and would ask his parents why they worshipped an idol that cannot speak or hear. After he heard the missionary teach the gospel message, he wanted to learn more about Christ. The missionary gave him a Bible, and through its stories, he was led to accept Jesus as Savior and was baptized. Gifts of $60 or $120 help native missionaries travel and preach the Word of God in villages such as this one. Pray that those who hear the gospel will come to trust in Jesus.
Celebrate With New Believers in Sri Lanka
A man and his wife, both workers on a rubber estate, faced an uncertain future due to their low monthly income and loans they struggled to pay. But through native missionaries, they heard the good news of Jesus and chose to put their trust in Him. Now, they have worked themselves free of their financial issues and are filled with peace. Missionaries also shared the gospel with other members of their family, and the couple’s son and his family became believers. “Praise the Lord!” the ministry leader said. Your gifts help Christian workers evangelize families such as this one. Pray that doors will continue to open to share the gospel.
Help Missionaries Persevere Against Spiritual Darkness in Sri Lanka
A native missionary working in a remote area of the country was confronted by a man in the community who opposed his work, especially after the number of children attending a language class that he taught began to increase. But the missionary would not be swayed by the man’s hostility and turned to prayer to seek God’s guidance over the situation. “Remarkably, through prayer, there was a notable transformation in the attitude of that particular man,” the missionary said. “He not only stopped opposing the ministry and classes, but he became a supporter.” Donations of $25 or $50 support missionaries’ outreach endeavors. Pray they will trust the Lord to guide them in every circumstance.
Tell of the Lord’s Loving Kindness in Pakistan
A man who once practiced Hinduism became sick with what the doctors believed was an incurable disease. But one day, a native missionary shared the gospel with him and, when the missionary prayed over him, the Lord healed him of his sickness. The man—having experienced the power of God Almighty—gave his life to the Lord. “Now, I listen to the Word of God and gain strength in my Christian faith,” the man said. “I give my testimony among others who do not know Christ Jesus.” Your donations support such evangelism efforts. Pray that new believers’ joy in the Lord will bring others to know the saving power of Jesus.
Encourage New Believers to Remain Steadfast in Bangladesh
A young man from a Buddhist family had grown increasingly wary of the religious practices of his parents, including their animal sacrifices and idol worship. When he connected with native missionaries, he became intrigued by the gospel stories they told and began to regularly listen to their sermons. “I have come to know from the Bible that only Jesus Christ has the power to save me from my sin and only Jesus Christ can give eternal life,” he said. The young man gave his life to the Lord and was baptized. Donations of $25 or $50 support missionaries’ evangelism efforts. Pray that new believers will remain steadfast in their faith.