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 India and Southeast Asia
Training the Church to Stand Strong under Growing Persecution
Daily reports of attacks on Indian Christians continue to emerge from this predominately Hindu nation of over one billion people.
For example, Pastor Rajendra Chauhan in Jaunpur had been threatened with dire consequences if he continued to hold prayer meetings on Saturdays and Sundays in his small town. He had been targeted simply because false information was being spread by the media about the growth of Christianity.
India in Context
The Church in India is growing, and attacks on Christians – due mainly to a growing Hindu fundamentalist movement – are also increasing. According to church leaders, the single most pressing need is for training and discipleship. Women and youth are a special focus for Open Doors, since the church in India is generally a young church, and much of the evangelism is carried out by women.
Open Doors co-workers face many risks leading “Standing Strong through the Storm” training in areas that are volatile. The greatest risk is the violence from Hindu extremists that can erupt without warning. Then there is the risk of being interrogated by local police. Even though the law permits our teams to go, the reality on the field can be dramatically different, with little protection by authorities.
Recent article from India: "Attack on Christian Family Part of Hindu Campaign" Additional news items:
Bangladesh: "Christian Burial of an MBB Opposed"
Sri Lanka: "Violence Against Christians on the Usurge"
The Region
Throughout Southeast Asia believers are pressured by dominant religions and ideologies. Not only Hindus in India, but Buddhists and Muslims from Sri Lanka to the Philippines sometimes equate religion with loyalty or national identity. Christians experience difficulties under Communist rule as well. (Vietnam and Laos are two of the five remaining Communist governments around the world.)
As in India, the focus across the region is on training. Along with the Standing Strong Through the Storm seminars, a women’s program is proving very encouraging and effective. The Priscilla Program is a training course for women believers to improve their life and ministry skills. The 15-module seminar-workshops open their eyes to their God-given role in the family, society, and the church. The last 4-day module separates the single women from those married, to address specific needs.
This year, 2,200 women leaders, single and married, will benefit from the program.
What Believers Have Said
“I have now become aware of the persecution I may face in future as a result of my decision to follow the Lord. I have been greatly strengthened through this seminar. Before coming to this seminar I had no knowledge about our legal rights. I specially liked the session about how to be wise along with having zeal for mission work. When I go back from here I will train fellow believers with the help of the manual we have been given.” David Masih from Bhadoi
“I have been attending Priscilla classes for the last two years. Since then, I have matured spiritually. I am more secure of God’s love for me. Through the modules, I developed godly values, and I am able to serve Him with greater confidence.
“In the last lesson, I learned to be content as a single woman. I am more grateful for the chance to serve God with all that I am. Now, I am ready to live wholly for God’s purpose, even if it means staying single for the rest of my life.
“Knowing that I am special in God’s eyes and loved by Him, I commit to serve Him by sharing what I have learned in the Priscilla class to other women in our church.” Linh, a Priscilla course participant
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Your News Source – Southeast Asia
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