Author: Nivea Laskosky
In the state of Rajasthan, northern India, a new law has been passed imposing life imprisonment on anyone who preaches and leads others to convert to Christianity. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case: other Indian states have also adopted anti-conversion laws.
This week, twenty pastors and leaders were arrested by the police simply for proclaiming the Gospel of Christ. Persecution is real and it grows stronger each day. Our brothers and sisters face threats of imprisonment, violence, and rejection, yet they remain steadfast, knowing that Jesus is worthy of their whole lives. They understand that no prison can ever detain the message of the cross.
But in the midst of darkness, something glorious is happening: the Church keeps growing. Where the government tries to silence, voices rise in worship. Where there is fear, the Holy Spirit pours out courage. Where persecution multiplies, we see men, women, and entire families surrendering to Christ and finding new life in Jesus.
Just as in the times of the early Church, persecution has failed to extinguish the flame of faith – instead, it has only fueled its spread. The witness of our brothers and sisters in India resounds across the world: the Gospel is God’s power for salvation, and nothing can stop it.
Keep praying fervently for the churches in India. Ask God to strengthen church planters, sustain their families, and transform this reality of oppression. Pray that even in the midst of persecution, the light of the Gospel will shine brighter, illuminating the places where darkness seems to reign.
And may the faith of the Church in India challenge us as well: are we living with the same surrender? Are we proclaiming Jesus with the same boldness?
May the example of our brothers and sisters inspire us to live and announce the Gospel without fear, until all come to know the Lord of life.
