Monthly Prayer Focus

India is a country rich with heritage and tradition. With 1.2 billion people, it is the second most populous country in the world. The economy is split largely between an elite upper class and an oppressed lower class, though a middle class is beginning to flourish. The caste system continues to divide people, and although illegal, discrimination and violence against those of lower castes are commonplace.

Please pray that the people of India will see how precious and valuable each person is to Christ.

Pray for the many Gospel for Asia-supported workers who are sharing the love of Jesus in a country where millions have yet to hear His name. Reaching out to those without hope, these workers are helping to lift families out of poverty and show them new life found in Jesus. Ask God to give them wisdom and clear guidance in their efforts, and pray that many will experience His love.

With more than 2.4 million lives affected, India has the third largest population of AIDS victims in the world. Each year, 900,000 people die from contaminated water or polluted air, and an estimated 43 percent of all children under the age of five are underweight. In the midst of these staggering statistics, Gospel for Asia-supported workers are reaching out through medical ministry to help those affected.

It is estimated that there are more than 20 million prostitutes in India. Each day, 40 girls under the age of 15 are kidnapped or sold into prostitution. Others enter it willingly, seeing it as the only way to survive.

Pray that those caught up in prostitution will be rescued from this life into the hope and love of Christ. Pray for those trafficking to realize the evil of their ways, repent and seek the forgiveness of Christ.

India has survived much turmoil in the past; please pray that peace will prevail. With more than 2,500 different people groups and various religions, tensions and conflicts often arise. There is a wide diversity in beliefs as three major religious groups—Hindus, 74 percent of India’s population, Muslims (14 percent) and Christians (5 percent), try to live in peace with one another.

Pray for the ethnic conflict going on right now in Assam between the Bodo tribe and Muslim immigrants from Bangladesh.

Nearly 40 percent of India lives below the poverty line. The economy is booming, but for those already destitute, it means only increased inflation and struggles. Pray for the impoverished to find hope in the true living God. Illiteracy is also a continuous struggle. Only 82 percent of men and 65 percent of women can read. Gospel for Asia is working to change this through their literacy program, a vital ministry carried out in most GFA-supported churches.

Pray for God’s peace and joy to be experienced in the midst of suffering and for the government to have wisdom on how to rectify these problems.

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