Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ is becoming more difficult and dangerous in India. That’s why Samaritan’s Purse is using donations from Canadians like you to equip and encourage pastors to use innovative methods to “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5, ESV).
Through a local partner, we are training hundreds of pastors who live in 12 Buddhist-dominated rural areas to preach the Gospel by telling Bible-based stories. In this way, they avoid government persecution that could come from handing out Bibles, and better connect with people who may have difficulty reading and writing, but have a strong oral culture.
This approach is paying off. For more than a month, program participants shared the Gospel through stories with Arjun*, an Indian who followed Buddhism and animalistic ritual, but sensed an emptiness in those practices. As they continued to interact with Arjun and pray for him, the Holy Spirit moved on his heart and he surrendered his life to Christ.
Arjun’s wife also heard the Gospel through stories, but initially resisted the truth because she feared evil spirits and the reactions of her neighbors. However, God equipped Arjun to be patient and show Christ’s love and compassion to his wife. Eventually, she joined Arjun in following “the Word [who] became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).
Since 2013, Samaritan’s Purse has trained nearly 6,000 people in 250 churches. As a result, the Gospel has been presented more than 11,000 times and over 2,700 people have dedicated their lives to Christ.
We praise God for how He is using this ministry for His glory. But we know there are many millions of people in India who have yet to hear the Good News—and thousands of pastors who want training and support so they can tell them about Jesus. Please join us, with your donations and prayers, so we can expand this vital, life-changing work.
*Name changed for safety reasons.
Working tirelessly to meet the physical and spiritual needs in their communities, many local churches around the world are a source of help, comfort, and support. Your gift will allow Samaritan's Purse to help the international church continue to be a tangible model of Christ's love.