Persecution continues in India, but the church is growing

India (MNN) — 2003 marked a violent year for Christians in India. Hindu militants lashed out at those interested in converting to Christianity. Their violence targeted those sharing the message and those listening to it, including the 300 million Dalits who rejected the Hindu faith.

Doctor Bobby Gupta is with HBI Global Partners. HBI helps train national Christians to take the message of the Gospel to the streets of India. The goal? To plant churches.

Gupta says while there has been persecution against Christians, it hasn’t stopped church growth. Gupta says, “While we see this persecution and we see this pressure that is mounting on us from this Hindu activist movement. On the other end of the spectrum we’re seeing the church seeing the light, taking responsibility (and they see a) great opportunity that is immerging to fulfill the Great Commission in our land.”

However, Gupta says the task ahead of HBI is to be prepared. Gupta says ‘tribal resurgence’ is a fear. “(India) is going to experience what Russia experienced, what eastern Europe experienced, what’s going on in Indonesia right now,” says Gupta. He says, “There’s going to be a raise of people that are saying we want independence for ourself.” Gupta says they must be ready for it. “I think that every stat the HBI can be in today and in the next five years will establish a presence of Jesus Christ when those tribal resurgence happens,” says Gupta.

Pray for HBI as they train more India pastors and church planters. Pray that despite the trials they’re facing a whole flood of Indians will turn to Christ.