Believers often have to meet in cramped spaces to worship the Lord. Having a church building to call their own is very important because it provides a safe place to gather and allows the congregation to grow.

UPDATE: 04/04/2011

Pastor Rehan is praising God for answering their prayers and changing the hearts of the people in his area. He met with the village leader, who agreed to allow the church construction project to move forward. Construction has already begun and the believers in this area will have a church to call their own very soon.

Update: from 02/11/2011

Villagers in an area where Gospel for Asia-supported missionary Rehan Malik serves are prohibiting the construction of a church building where he and the Christian believers can gather to worship and pray.

Land has already been purchased to begin construction, and Rehan is meeting with the village leader on February 12 to discuss the matter and hopefully put an end to the opposition.

Prayer is needed for Rehan throughout this circumstance. He requests prayer that God will change the heart of the village leader and grant him favor, and that his neighbors will allow him to continue his ministry and build a place where Christians can worship the Lord freely.

For Christians living in South Asia, having a permanent building to meet is a sign to the community of the religion’s stability and permanency. It also provides a safe haven for Christians to gather together to worship Jesus, as they no longer have to worry about landlords evicting them because of pressure from those who oppose Christianity.

• Learn more about the importance of a church building for believers in South Asia.
• Keep church buildings in your prayers.