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

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.
Equip Missionaries For Spiritual Battle in South Asia
A man afflicted with evil spirits vomited blood and lost consciousness for several days each time the spirits attacked. His family spent a lot of money in an effort to heal him, but it wasn’t until someone suggested they go to the church and pray to Jesus that his life changed. Every member of the church came together and prayed over him, and he was completely healed. Because of his transformation, eight people accepted Christ, four were baptized, and a new small group began weekly meetings in the man’s home. Donations of $25 or $50 provide support to Christian workers as they work in their communities. Pray for Christ’s light to shine in dark places.
Impact Believers Through Bible Studies
A youth leader attended Christian leadership courses through a seminary established by a native ministry, and, as a result, his faith deepened, and he began to see Scripture with new eyes. “The program challenged me to completely change the way I read the Bible, teaching me to discern the rights and wrongs in interpreting Scripture, helping me shape a more theologically sound doctrine,” he said. “It helped me mature into a true servant of Christ.” Your donations support such evangelism within the country. Pray for seminary students as they study to become stronger ministry leaders.
Strengthen The Persecuted Church in South Asia
As a Christian worker and her family lay sleeping, their home was set on fire. Though the family escaped, their home and everything in it was destroyed. The incident was one of several the family has endured. Villagers attacked the woman’s daughter while she attempted to gather water, and they let cattle loose in the family’s fields to destroy their crops. “This family is withstanding a lot of persecution but is still standing strong in their faith,” the ministry leader said. “Kindly keep them in your prayers.” Your donations assist those persecuted for their faith. Pray the Lord’s protection over families such as this.
Bring The Gospel To Remote Places in Bangladesh
At the invitation of a village leader, two pastors agreed to visit his village, which sits 90 miles from where they live. They journeyed first by bus and then on foot, walking 25 miles to reach their destination. The people were eager to hear the gospel, and 54 were baptized that day. Because of the joyful response to their visit, the pastors decided not only to begin construction of a church building there, but to also send a missionary to stay so the people would have a church leader. Donations of $25 or $50 enable missionaries to minister in remote communities such as this. Pray for hearts to be open to the gospel message.