India (MNN) — A breakthrough was made for believers in India this month when Christians were among the first to vote in India's four-week national election.
In the fall of 2008, thousands of believers were forced from their homes, afraid for their lives, as persecution persisted in the form of extremist attacks.
Although the persecution has died down since then, hundreds of houses were burned and dozens of people were killed in the attacks, leaving many Christians to find refuge in government relief camps. Once attacks subsided, there was some fear that this persecuted minority may not be given the chance to vote.
It appears that believers have nothing to fear, however, as Orissa state (where persecution had been highest) was the kickoff spot for India's national elections on April 16. According to a Gospel for Asia press release, government officials claimed the elections would start there so they could focus security in one area. Be this as it may, it's nothing but good news for Christians.
Beginning the elections in a place that has been internationally noted for its violence toward Christians hopefully will allow believers to make quite an impact on the outcome of the election. So far, Christians have not been hindered from voting, and no direct violence has taken place.
"This is kind of a historic thing where in the past, things like this would bring fear and keep the Christians from voting," says Danny Punnose of Gospel for Asia. "But this is going to bring a very loud statement to those in power that you cannot hurt minorities without repercussions taking place."
The elections will not be over until May 16, when the results of the election for a new prime minister and 543 other new government representatives will be announced. Christians hope that their votes will help to establish a government who will not stand for the type of persecution that Christians have suffered in the past.
Pray that the elections will yield a government suitable to Christian concerns. In the meantime, continue to pray for the day-to-day trials that face Christ followers in India.
"Pray and ask the Lord that they would be able to stand strong no matter what comes their way, that their faith would be strong, and that they would be a witness to their neighbors. And that's the greatest thing that they long for, that more people would come to know Jesus through their life."
