*This blog was written weeks ago while I was still in India, but I was hesitant to post it until now.
I’m sitting here, in the back of the Rescue Pink house, with all the shutters and doors locked and bolted, and every light visible to the outside world turned off. Tomorrow is India’s Independence Day, and there has already been much turmoil in the country. The UN issued a travel warning and there have been riots and fights in every major city. Two days ago, in Hyderabad, a man was beaten almost to death for handing out bibles and remains in critical condition at Apollo Hospital. He was the target of a local radical extremist group and his only offense was giving away bibles on a street. Tonight, we were told to stay in the back of the house where there are no open windows, to lock all the doors, do not go outside, and answer immediately when our host calls to check in.
While there is a small element of possible danger, I realize that these are just extra precautions. Our ministry hosts are only taking these extra precautions with locking the doors and turning out the lights because they are being extremely cautious. The town we are staying in is mostly Christian and has the third largest cathedral in east Asia. All of the people we have come across have been extremely welcoming and friendly. I personally do not feel the need for all these extra measures, but appreciate them anyways.
The reality is, we are a small group of privileged Americans here for a few weeks. If anyone were to ask, we’re are college students here to tour the country. We can come here and leave as we please, risking nothing of ourselves. We are safe.
BUT OTHERS ARE NOT
There are people here that live in constant fear of their lives. Christians are persecuted for their beliefs in a country originally colonized by Christians. And nothing is done about it. Here, Christians sneak around under the cover of darkness to meet in secret, to worship in whispers. They risk everything.
Growing up, one of my favorite books was Fox’s book of martyrs. I was in awe of the faith and courage of the people written in the stories. I hoped that one day I would have faith as strong they had. Now, sitting here in the darkness, I realize how far I have to go to reach that, and how grateful I am for my religious freedom. How much I take for granted. I do not have to fear. But some do.
Pray for the ones that are in real danger. Pray as the church grows strong in the face of fierce persecution. Support foreign missions as they work to spread Christ to the closed nations. There are parts of India that are very dangerous for Christians. India is part of the 10-40 window (meaning the part of the world that is relatively unreached and has not heard the gospel of Christ). Even though I am in a predominantly Christian and safe area, there are people that are not. Tonight as I sit behind bolts and locks, I was just reminded of how much I take for granted and how real persecution of the church is. And I am overwhelmed by how much I have to be grateful for.
