India
Marked by its ancient history and dynamic contemporary presence, India is a land of striking contrasts, where traditions coexist with rapid modernization.
India's vast expanse stretches from the towering Himalayan peaks in the north to the tropical shores of the south, encompassing diverse landscapes that range from deserts to rainforest.
Spoken Languages:
Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Gujarati, Urdu, Kannada, Odia +
Religions in India:
Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism
Population:
1.43 Billion
Unreached Population:
1.36 Billion
People Groups:
2,272
Unreached People Groups:
2,041
Refugee Population:
252,867
The Country of India
The Republic of India is a vast and populous country in South Asia that shares borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. It is the seventh largest country by area and has the second largest population in the world. India has a wealth of history and culture, and it is home to the beginnings of four world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Gaining its independence from British rule in 1947, through a non-violent resistance led by Mahatma Gandhi, it became a federal constitutional republic, divided up into 28 states and 8 union territories.
The traditional and predominant religion of India is Hinduism, with 81% of the people of India calling themselves Hindu, filling the country with the worship of hundreds of false gods and idols. Islam is also a vary significant religion among the Indian populace at 14% (approx 200,215,000 people), it has the third most Muslims of any nation in the world.
The Gospel was first brought to India in around 52 AD by the apostle Thomas and Apostle Bartholomew. Landing on the Malabar Coast, tradition says they established 7 churches and converted numerous individuals, laying the foundation for one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, known as the Saint Thomas Christians. Heavily influenced by the Church of the East in Mesopotamia, they adopted the Syriac liturgy, and became known to some as "Syrian Christians". The Christians of India were relatively isolated, and developed very distinct customs and traditions, setting them apart from the later Western Christians.
Portuguese missionaries arrived in the 16th century, and protestant missionaries in the 17th century, they began the work of translating the Bible into native languages, evangelizing the people, and planting churches all across India. They abolished evil practices, educated people, cared for the sick, preached the gospel, and influenced the nation for good. However many influential Indian leaders resisted them, and after India received its independence in 1947, the ruling party excommunicated foreign missionaries out of India and discouraged any Christian activity. Persecution towards Christians began to rise, missionaries and pastors were killed and their properties taken or destroyed. This trend continues today, where there is a rise of nationalistic pride among Hindu extremists, who see Christianity as a western religion that is destroying Indian culture.
Despite the long history of the gospel being shared in India, the majority of Indians have still never heard the gospel. With 95.3% (approx.1,368,197,000 people) of the population of India still considered unreached, there is still a great work to be done.
Ways to Support
As we carry out God's mission, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of India- your support, whether it be through financial contributions or prayer, will play a vital role in bringing hope, healing, and transformation to those in need. Together, we can make an eternal impact, spreading the message of love and salvation to all corners of India.
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$50 per month can provide supplemental income to a church pastor.
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$45 per month can help provide meals, education, and a safe place for a child to go to school.
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Help with new building funding. $5,800 can start a new church building.
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Join a trip! Our hope is to take up to 30 people per year to help with this amazing work.
Light In The Darkness
Sharing the Gospel to these unreached villages is vital because every individual deserves the opportunity to hear the Good News of salvation. Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). By sharing the love of Christ, we not only fulfill this mandate but also bring hope, peace, and eternal life to those who are searching for meaning in their lives. Reaching these villages demonstrates God’s care for all people, ensuring that even the most remote communities experience His love and redemption.
Are you ready to go?
Experience the beauty of India while bringing the hope of Jesus Christ to its people. Your
visit can make an eternal impact as you share the Gospel and serve in love.
Pray for India
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Pray for safety for local missionaries, congregations, and pastors facing attacks on their worship services from Hindu extremists and followers of native tribal religions.
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Pray for locals to be open and ready to hear the Gospel when pastors and believers share the Good News.