On May 26, 2014, Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India, the second most populated nation on earth. Since this leadership change, Christian ministries and charity organizations have been under fire. Even Compassion International, who serves children and orphans across the world, was forced to leave India this past March after decades of service.
Prime Minister Modi is a proponent of Hindutva, a nationalistic philosophy that aims to make India a completely Hindu nation. Currently 27 million people in India (2.2% of the country’s population) are Christians, but those who embrace Hindutva are determined to convert all to Hinduism. As Christians resist such pressures, persecution results.
Voice of the Martyrs is an organization that has supported the persecuted church for the past fifty years. Their regional director for South Asia said this: “It is true persecution is increasing in India, but that’s not the whole story. Persecution is a result of the Gospel going out, and we should celebrate the fact that today, more than ever before, Indians are coming to know Christ. Of course persecution will increase, but let’s not let that upstage what God is doing in the foreground of this story – expanding His kingdom in India.”
Recently, our friend Prabhu Das shared the sacrifice Christians make in his part of the country. “When a person is baptized he automatically loses any benefit from the government. Many lose their jobs and all become targets of those who believe all Indians must be Hindus.” As he shared, I wondered how Americans would respond if we knew that following Christ meant forfeiture of all social security benefits, the loss of employment, and the burden of constant opposition to our faith.
I hope we would follow the example of many of our Indian brothers and sisters. The gift of eternal life is greater than anything this world has to offer. Believers know that the saving message must spread for others to have hope. One evangelist said, “Brother, I ride my bicycle into a village and I bang my drum. The people come out and I share the Gospel. Sometimes they accept the Gospel and form a church. Other times they beat me. When I wake up, I get on my bicycle and ride to the next village.”
Voice of the Martyrs suggest we pray this prayer: “Heavenly Father, as my brothers and sisters in India experience persecution for their bold witness, help them to remain faithful. Help them to proclaim the truth of Your name. Meet their every need and protect them from discouragement. Bring comfort to those who need it and protect them from fear. Prepare the hearts of those who will hear the Gospel next. Amen.”
“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Hebrews 13:3
Quotes are from ‘The Voice of the Martyrs’ September 2017 newsletter; pp 9, 11