What coronavirus relief looks like for Indian Christians

Dhiraj* is a dedicated pastor. He and his small family live in the slums of a big city in India. He sent us a message: “Our church is situated in the same slums we live. The church members are very poor, but each week they give an offering. This is my only salary: 200-500 rupees a week (roughly $2.50-$6.50). But now we are in lockdown and there are no more offerings. I can go nowhere and I cannot find other work. I’m turning to you for help.”

Dhiraj is just one Indian Christian with these needs. There are thousands of them. Perhaps millions. All of them live in a country that becomes increasingly hostile to the gospel. The coronavirus outbreak threatens their lives.

Open Doors partner Rahul* says, “The congregations are really poor. Most church members are daily wage laborers and no work for the day means no food for the day. The pastors’ families are suffering the most. We have a plan to reach out to those who are truly starving. Can Open Doors please help?”

Shalom*, another partner, called us to tell the heartbreaking story of Jai*. “Last time we spoke, everything was okay,” Shalom says. “Now Jai told me how the lockdown is affecting him and other pastors. They can’t go to work, and they can’t visit their church members. They have identified at least 20 to 30 pastors who are starving because of the lockdown.”

Aryan*, a minister who visits small villages, received support as well. “My only source of income is the offering, which I used to get from Sunday service and house visits,” he says. “My income is just hand to mouth. I couldn’t save money for my future. Due to the lockdown in our area. I couldn’t go out to meet believers. Last week I fell sick and for this reason I spent all the money that I had. Then the lockdown came and darkness descended on me. How could I feed my family? Then your organization came with groceries and other aid. Now we have enough for at least one month.”

Suraj*, a day laborer, had lost all hope after the anti-virus measures came into effect. “I felt helpless and really prayed hard to God,” Suraj says. “I asked Him if he could open the door so that we could get food to survive. Suddenly my pastor prayed and said that an organization had dropped off groceries and other daily necessities for families hit by this crisis. Thank you so much! I was so happy to receive this help!”

Will you please pray and give for persecuted Christians, especially now in this time of increasing need? Persecution doesn’t stop because of a virus epidemic. In fact, the pressure on our persecuted brothers and sisters in many regions in the world is mounting. This crisis can hurt the Church—or make it stronger. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Gal. 6:9-10) 

You can give a gift now by clicking here. 

* All names changed for security reasons.