Yeshu ke Naam se, Amen! (which is Hindi for “in Jesus’ Name, Amen!”). This powerful phrase still rings in my ears, just as it was shouted by hundreds of Indian pastors during the four most recent World MAP Pastors’ Renewal and Training Seminars.

This intense three-week trip involved 11 flights and multiple looong drives to get to our remote seminar locations – where few are willing to go, but where the needs are greatest.

The effort is always so worth it. For in each of the four locations, we were met with such spiritually-hungry pastors who are deeply committed to Christ and to doing the work of ministry. As we conversed with them, some important facts became clearly evident.

Many areas of India are in the midst of rising, violent and brutal persecution of all religions other than Hinduism – but particularly of Christians. Regular beatings, murders, rapes and mob destruction of homes and churches are the most pronounced forms.

In addition, Christians can have wages withheld or even lose employment, be evicted from housing, publicly ridiculed and harassed, and be completely cut off by their own family members. This is all carried out with government and police approval, and often with their direct participation.

But hallelujah that even in the midst of this growing animosity, India is experiencing great revival! Astounding numbers of people are abandoning Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Islam for a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is moving in power with signs and wonders, as Indians witness firsthand the reality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to save, heal and deliver. It is estimated there are 35 million Christians now in India, and approximately 15,000 more are receiving Christ every month!

This, of course, serves to highlight the need for equipped shepherds for these many lambs; those who will be faithful to the Word and the Spirit of God, and who know how to make genuine disciples of Jesus Christ.

What is happening now in India is not new as we look at the 2,000+ year history of the Church. The rise of persecution only increases the spread of the Gospel. For nothing can stop the Gospel of Jesus Christ! That will continue to be true until the return of our Lord and Savior, when “the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever” (Rev 11:15). Amen!

What we witnessed at each of the four seminars in northern India was so very encouraging! Most of the leaders who attended were first-generation Christ followers who have not known the Lord for long. Many were Hindu converts, and one had even been a Hindu priest who surrendered his life to Christ!

They have had little exposure or ministry training, and their spiritual hunger and openness to the principles of Scripture and the moving of the Holy Spirit was almost overwhelming. It was an immense joy and privilege – and encouragement – to share in the things of God with these precious brothers and sisters in India.

Most will go back to their ministry positions and face hardship and persecution. Please continue to keep these courageous frontline workers in your prayers as the Holy Spirit leads you.

A full report with photos will be coming in our next World MAP DIGEST this fall – although some details will need to be withheld for security reasons.

It is far too easy in these perilous times to be so immersed in, or distracted by, the ominous and concerning events in your own nation that you forget to “lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already ripe for harvest” (Jn. 4:35).

What we witnessed in India has also been seen as we travel to others nations, and we read and hear many similar reports from others. God is moving powerfully by His Spirit, and dare I say, quickly in these days! The fields of the earth are ripe, and He is calling us to gather in His great harvest as the due reward for His Son’s suffering and willing death for us on the Cross.  

Please remember once again – nothing can stop the Gospel of Jesus Christ except God’s people being silent. There is no work of hell or difficulty of life or political agenda that can stop the Truth of Jesus Christ, the power of His shed blood on the Cross, and His resurrection from the dead unto eternal life to prove once and for all that He is Jesus the Christ, the Son of the Living God and our Great Lord and Savior!

So lift your voice as a bold witness of the Gospel, and let us pray God-sized prayers for the salvation of all, both near and far!                    

1. INDIA
Thank you for praying for the World MAP India seminars completed in March. God did a powerful work, and you were very much a part as you lifted up these events in prayer. Now, let us continue to pray for:

• The pastors and leaders to keep applying, receiving and refreshing themselves in the Holy Spirit as they walk fully in the things of the Spirit in the days to come.
• The pastors to put into action what they learned and to also teach others all that God has imparted to them.
• The Holy Spirit to be poured out in India for a continued, and even greater, harvest of souls unto the glory of Jesus.
• Christ followers to be protected, but to also be bold in sharing their faith in the face of trial and persecution.

2. NIGERIA
Once again, Islamic terrorists are kidnapping, pillaging and committing murder in entire Christian villages in northern Nigeria. The government, dominated by Muslims, does little to stop this barbaric and demonic activity.

Please pray for:

• The protection and swift release of all girls and boys that were kidnapped.
• A righteous change in the Nigerian government’s leadership.
• Terrorist groups to be caught and rendered inoperable by salvation through Christ or by military intervention.
• International pressure to be put on the Nigerian government, and to give aid and assistance to those being persecuted.
• Those Christian villages and towns to continue to stand firm in their testimony for Christ, and for many to come to Jesus in the midst of the heartache and terror. 

3. WORLD MAP
Praise the Lord! After many, many months of effort, a large sea container of Shepherd’s Staff has reached its final destination and is ready to begin distribution to church leaders. Thank you SO much for praying!

And of course, thank you for praying for the recent seminars in India. We know they were fruitful and effective because of you!

This is such a busy year at World MAP with much happening. Here are just a few of the things for which we would enlist your prayers:

• Multiple doors are opening for printing and distribution of Shepherd’s Staffs in various nations. Please pray for the wisdom and leading of the Holy Spirit, and for the financial provision to continue moving ahead in this new season.
• More languages of Shepherd’s Staffs are continuing to be digitized, so thank you for praying for the successful completion of this large project.
• Upcoming seminars this year in Zambia and Nepal are in the final planning stages, so thank you for keeping those events in your prayers.
• A large order of Shepherd’s Staffs in multiple languages is currently being printed. Please pray for the very swift and successful completion of these books – some of which are headed to Zambia for the July World MAP seminars and to Nepal for seminars in the fall.

For each of us, as faithful Christ followers, may we lift our prayers and give our effort for the release of laborers for the Harvest that is ready.

May we cry out for a continual and great outpouring of the Holy Spirit, to bring repentance and salvation to every tribe, tongue and nation, and for every prodigal and lost soul away from Jesus, all in preparation for our Lord’s soon return!

Until all have heard,
Dr. Frank and Wendy Parrish,
World MAP