The third country we’ll be visiting on the Race is India.
Let’s come together and pray for this diverse country.
Jesus tells us in John 14:13-14 that, “whatever you ask in my name I will do, that the Father will be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it”.
He will hear our prayers and know that we desire to see these people come to know the freedom of Christ.
Let’s pray that the presence of God will infiltrate this country and His glory will shine brightly. That the people will see Christ through us and their lives will be changed because of Him.
This country is in southern Asia and is about one-third the size of the U.S. This diverse country has 4,635 people groups who speak over 1,500 languages and believe in at least 12 different religions. It is also one of the top ten most industrialized countries in the world. But this country is lost. They have the largest amount of unreached people groups in the world- 98% of the country is unreached.
While in this country we’ll have the opportunity to reach out to the poor and destitute, victims of human trafficking, and bring hope to the people who so desperately need it.
Population: 1,214,464,312. One sixth of the world’s population in this country.
Capital City: New Delhi
Current time: 11 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time
Official Language: Hindi is spoken by 40% of the population and is an official language. There are also about 14 other official languages! English is spoken mainly for political and business communication.
Religion: 80% Hindu, 13% Muslim, Christian 2%, Sikh 2%
Praise God for:
The fall of the Hinduistic government which means there is more religious freedom in the country. Political centrism has helped to correct some of the injustice brought about by the caste system. There are policies in place now to correct some of the injustice that has happened to the members of the lower classes.
Human trafficking is widespread across the country but click here to read an encouraging story about 120 slaves being freed from bondage in India!
Prayer needs:
-That religious freedom continues to grow. There are still some state governments within the country that deny benefits to people who turn to Christianity and often abuse Christians as well.
-The corruption that is widespread in the leaders of the country at all levels- national, state, and local.
– The slave trade that is happening among men, women, and children for forced labor and sexual exploitation. India has provided little proof that they are doing anything to stop this from happening and to protect these people from being victimized. The lack of government effort to punish human traffickers is one reason why this has become such an uncontrolled problem.
– The levels of poverty in the country. India has the highest number of poor people, the fourth most millionaires, and the greatest difference between rich and poor. Ways to reduce poverty must be found so the millions of people in the workforce can be employed.
Have you ever been to India? Do you know more specific things we can pray for this country about? Feel free to share!
