India: Church Planting and Persecution
India: Church Planting and Persecution
As India's Hindu population reaches nearly one billion, nationalism within the country is on the rise. Fundamentalist Hindus are calling for the nation to be purged of all non-Hindus, leaving Christians increasingly vulnerable to persecution. Since 2016, the cases of persecution have worsened yearly and, in 2020, India ranked 10th on the list of countries where it is most dangerous to be a Christian.
Another reason for the escalating number of attacks on Indian followers of Jesus is the growth of Christianity that's presently taking place within the country. In this episode of Closer to the Fire, Greg Musselman is joined by David Witt, the CEO of Spirit of Martyrdom International, who aspires to shine God's light into this spiritually dark nation by planting 100,000 churches. David has spent several decades providing support and encouragement to persecuted Christians in more than 50 countries across the globe.
In his recently published book, God's Global Grace Movement: Hope Rising from An Awakening in India, David teaches how we can all learn to be more effective in advancing God's Kingdom. In this book, he also shares inspiring stories of believers who have committed their lives to following Jesus, no matter the cost.
Date: December, 2022
Length: 47 minutes
Show Notes
Spirit of Martyrdom International
spiritofmartyrdom.com
To order David Witt's book, God's Global Grace Movement: Hope Rising from an Awakening in India, go to spiritofmartyrdom.com/online-christian-bookstore
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada
vomcanada.com
The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (Canada)
idop.ca
The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (US)
persecution.com/idop
India Information
- Current Ministry Projects
VOMC assists persecuted Christians with legal support and rehabilitation assistance, and cares for children of martyrs by providing them with a safe place to be nurtured physical and spiritually. VOMC also partners to equip Christians in India with Biblical training and works to strengthen and support marginalized and persecuted Christian women. Additionally, VOMC helps to provide medical assistance to believers who have faced injuries after being attacked.”
Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Legal Defense, Relief and Development, Women’s Ministry, Medical Fund
- Country Information
Population
1,399,179,585 (2023 est.)Ethnicity (%)
Indo-Aryan (72), Dravidian (25), other (3)Religion (%)
Hinduism (79.8), Muslim (14.2), Christianity (2.3), Sikh (1.7), other (2)Leader
President Droupadi Murmu (2022)Government type
Federal parliamentary republicLegal system
Based on English common law; separate personal law codes apply to Christians, Hindus and Muslims.Source: CIA World Factbook
- Pray for India
Despite the intimidation and violence that have taken place in many of India's states, may Christians wisely yet unashamedly preach the Gospel. Pray that indigenous Christians and foreign missionaries will minister in ways that do not hint at fraudulent conversions, unmasking the intentions behind the anti-conversion legislation. Intercede for India's leaders, that they may reign with justice and righteousness.
Select a Region
India News
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Harsh Anti-Conversion Laws in Chhattisgarh
A pastor is sharing the Gospel in India.
Photo: VOM InternationalWhile many Indian states have instituted laws aimed at preventing coerced or forced religious conversions, the newly passed legislation in Chhattisgarh is notably more severe. Signed into effect by the governor on April 7th, the recently implemented law replaces a 1968 statute that Christian leaders say was frequently used as a weapon against minority communities.
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Court Reiterates Privileges for Specified Religions
India's Supreme Court Building
Photo: Wikimedia / Subhashish Panigrahi (CC)In India, where the caste system remains deeply embedded within the framework of societal standards, those belonging to the lowest castes are classified as "scheduled castes" or "Dalits." Although historically marginalized, and often subjected to severe social discrimination, members of the lower castes receive constitutional protections and access to certain governmental benefits.
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Christians Denied Burial Permission
A village in India.
Photo: Flickr / Rakshit Pandey (CC)A Christian family residing in a tribal village of Chhattisgarh state has been denied permission to bury a relative who passed away, unless they first convert to Hinduism. Local villagers claim that allowing a Christian burial would defile their land and anger their deities.
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Christians Slain by Opposing Family Members
A prayer meeting in the home of the deceased.
Photo: Morning Star NewsIn a tribal region of Odisha State, three members of a Christian family were recently killed by close relatives, leaving three children orphaned and now in hiding. The incident took place in the village of Nialijharan on January 25th, claiming the lives of Jitendra Soren and his wife Malati, along with their 15-year-old daughter Sasmita.
