Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
Jun 28: India, Meghalaya, Mizoram
India
Republic of India
Asia
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Geography
Area: 3,166,000 sq kmA further 121,000 sq km of Kashmir, a contested area, is administered by Pakistan and China. Geographically and politically, India dominates South Asia and the Indian Ocean. There are 28 Union States and 7 Union Territories.
Population: 1,214,464,312 Annual Growth: 1.44%
Capital: Delhi
Urbanites: 30.1%
HDI Rank: 134 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)
Peoples
Peoples: 2,533 (88% unreached) All peoplesUnreached Peoples Prayer Card
Official language: Constitutionally there are 22 official languages. The official language is Hindi (spoken by 40% of the population). English is a subsidiary official language Languages: 456 All languages
Religion
Largest Religion: Hinduism| Religion | Pop % | Ann Gr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christians | 71,011,000 | 5.84 | 3.7 |
| Evangelicals | 26,290,283 | 2.2 | 3.9 |
| Hinduism | 902,711,323 | 74.33 |
Challenge for Prayer
Hinduism is the world’s third-largest religious system. Hinduism, most broadly understood, is a civilizational dynamic incorporating every aspect of life, embracing those who live in or identify with India and its culture. As a religion, it is a pluralistic network of religious beliefs and systems ranging from the philosophical (self-realization), to Vedic-influenced rituals, to popular expression (idols), to village Hinduism (animism, occultism). It absorbs elements of any religion it encounters and is widely regarded as an inclusive religion, one of tolerance and peace. Its global influence is significant through movements such as yoga, Hare Krishna/ISKCON, New Age, Art of Living and others. Many concepts of Hinduism have become part of 21st Century postmodern culture – yoga, gurus, karma, dharma, reincarnation and transcendental meditation. How can we pray?a) Hinduism has strong cultural appeal, yet in their search for fulfilment and purpose, Hindus still long for true communion with the Creator. Pray that Christians (considered as “Western”) may demonstrate, in authentic Indian cultural expressions, true spirituality and the transformation Christ brings.
b) The Hindu caste system remains a major issue. It has been only partly addressed through constitutional equality, the legal ban on discrimination and affirmative action favouring the underprivileged in education and government jobs. The rising demands by Dalits for their constitutional rights and for a share in the land and wealth of the country, and by tribals for protection of their ancestral lands and ways, are often met by obstruction, intimidation and repression. Pray that:
i The government may wisely handle the realities of casteism and the impoverishment of a large percentage of the population. This includes dealing firmly with violence against Dalit and tribal communities and applying affirmative action to all Dalits, irrespective of their religion.
ii The Christian response may be both biblical and Christlike, ministering to all oppressed people while rooting out casteism within its own ranks. About 80% of all Christians are of Dalit or tribal communities, and the average Hindu associates Christianity with the underclasses of their society.
iii The churches. Pray that in their outreach they may be sensitive to the caste networks and facilitate people movements to Christ, and that in their fellowship they may work toward elimination of the dividing walls of society. Many churches are themselves guilty of caste-based discrimination.
c) Hindutva extremism casts a baleful shadow over India. Militant Hindus of the RSS, Bajrang Dal, Durga Bahini, Shiv Sena, VHP and Sangh Parivar have infiltrated their members into every influential part of society, gaining a notable measure of political power and patronage. They are attempting to promote revisionist histories, to institutionalize discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities and to control the media. The Hindutva ideology of “India is Hindu only” is used to justify intimidation and violence against Muslims and Christians, stigmatizing them as “foreign” faiths. Pray that:
i Communal violence might end, and its instigators repent and find Christ.
ii Christians and Christian leaders might be united and courageous in the face of widespread and localized persecution. Attacks number over 1,000 a year. They are sporadic and concentrated in BJP-ruled states.
iii The “re-conversion” programme of Hindu extremists might not succeed and that threatened Christians may stand firm in Christ whatever the cost.
iv Christians may show the love and forgiveness of Christ to their persecutors.
For an additional 14 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
More Information
The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of India.Meghalaya
India
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Challenge for Prayer
Challenges for the Church:a) Attempts to revive ancient traditional religions are occurring alongside intensifying Hindutva policies. These spell trouble from both sides for Christians from Scheduled Tribes, who make up the majority of the state’s population.
b) The younger generation are drifting away from the Church, nominalism is a concern and drug and alcohol abuse are widespread and well-documented problems.
c) Issues of poverty and the widening gap between rich and poor; the local economy is monopolized by a few. Pray for integrity and righteousness in governmental and economic spheres.
d) Churches suffer from lack of pastoral care and lack of strong biblical teaching, especially in rural areas, since most pastors are based in cities. Pray that God will raise up pastors and evangelists with a heart for evangelism and mission.
For an additional 2 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
More Information
The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Meghalaya.Mizoram
India
See Prayer Information
Challenge for Prayer
The challenges to be tackled by Christians:a) Divisions within denominations and inter-ethnic tensions are a discredit to the unity expected of believers. Pray for a new outpouring of the Spirit that will join believers together and remove man-made divisions.
b) The increase of false teachings, sects, cults and even devil worship, particularly among the younger generation.
c) Serious societal problems – increased corruption, youth delinquency, abuse of drugs and alcohol. Proximity to the Golden Triangle raises the threat of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS.
d) Several less-reached peoples, such as the mostly Buddhist Chakma and the increasing numbers of immigrant peoples, need to receive loving witness from Mizo Christians.
For an additional Challenge for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
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