Persecution and breakthrough in India.

March 2, 2009

One of the notable features of our recent visit to Karnataka state in Southern India is the realisation that we are living in significant days, in which persecution is a reality.During the autumn months of last year the media carried regular stories of persecution and violence against christians particularly in the stae of Orrissa which is a hotspot for Hindu militants.For years India had ranked No. 30  in the league of worst persecutors according to the Open Doors World Watch .However their 2009 report on the ‘World Watch’ list of countries that are the worst persecutors of Christians shows that  India has moved to No. 22 due to the escalating violence on Christians in different parts of the nation.Whilst in some cases, the violence has subsided it has left many believers nervous and afraid for the future throughout the country.We met several pastors and leaders with stories to tell of violence,opposition and serious strife.The authorities (often dominated by the Hindu militant party )seemingly reluctant and resistent to giving help to christian groups.

The effects of this are interesting.Whilst it is true to say that many are afraid,there are also reports of significant numbers of conversions taking place.We saw a good number of responses for salvation in our meetings.Secondly, far from intimidating believers into inactivity,it is motivating some to greater efforts.The main purpose of our visit was to participate in a pastor’s conference held in Bangalore.Abotut three to four months before the start of the conference,the authorities refused the organisors permission to use public facillites for the event.Instead of cancelling the conference, they decided to build their own venue for up to a thousand people.What was truly remarkable was that the venue was completed like Nehemiah’s wall in record time,just over 92 days.It will be when fully operational,a quality venue.Throughout the building programme God provided miraculously, in terms of finance,material, and personnell to complete the work.It is now also fairly likely that the authorities that refused permission  to the organisors in the past will be seeking to rent the facillity themselves,so God has turned what was a negative situation around for tremeandous good.

The lesson that this has for us in the UK  is worth noting.In times when there is a growing sense that christians are a persecuted minority here too,far from extinguishing the life of God ,this kind of opposition actually seems to encourage it and injects it with a growth dynamic.That which the enemy means for harm ,God can turn around for the greater good.

William

Can good come out of opposition what do you think?

 

Written by william · Filed Under Pastors Blog 

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