Pray for India

One of the largest and most diverse countries in the world, India is filled with more than 2,500 distinct people groups who speak over 19,500 languages. The most commonly spoken language is Hindi. One billion-plus people are dispersed over one million square miles. Tremendous economic growth has led to India’s increasingly important role in global affairs. Yet the ever-present reality of extensive poverty remains.

There is more human need in India than in any other country. Approximately 196 million people are malnourished. Roughly 30 million children in India are orphans. Though officially outlawed, caste discrimination continues to hold great influence over the culture and has led to horrific human rights abuse. India’s infrastructure is unreliable, and political corruption is rampant. Overpopulation also makes pollution and sanitation unmanageable. These contribute to deadly realities such as contaminated water and widespread diseases such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, and more.

When it comes to the spread of the Gospel, India has the most unreached people groups in the world. In fact, 95% of Indians have never heard of Jesus! While Hinduism is practiced by roughly 80%, only about 2% identify as Christians. But because of the population, even minorities (Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs) number in the millions each. India has a legacy of Christian workers like William Carey and Mother Teresa. Christian communities have made significant contributions in education, health, and social sectors. Yet, Christianity is still seen as a threat to the traditional Hindu way of life. Hindu nationalist groups want to make India a “Hindu Nation.” Anti-conversion laws make it dangerous to share the Gospel. Those who choose to follow Jesus are often threatened with losing their status, jobs, homes, and even lives. Several Christian organizations have been forced out. However, despite the persecution, Indian Christians are courageously persisting as the hands and feet of Jesus to their neighbors.