Faith
Indian Church Grows, Urgent Discipleship Needed
Faith Facts
- The Indian church is experiencing remarkable growth, with thousands coming to Christ daily.
- Grassroots movements are emerging, marked by communities choosing Christ and developing culturally rooted faith expressions.
- There is a significant need for deeper discipleship, biblical teaching, and leadership development across India.
The Church in India is witnessing a season of thriving expansion, a testament to God’s hand at work even in challenging regions. Rev. Vijayesh Lal emphasized this progress while addressing the need for greater spiritual depth and mature leadership among believers.
“Conservatively speaking, between 3,000 to 5,000 people come to Christ every day in India.”
Much of this momentum is seen in northern and central states, such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where indigenous movements are reshaping communities through faith in Jesus. These efforts are locally driven and flourish without outside intervention, reflecting the unique calling within India.
“The Church has grown in spite of us rather than because of us.”
Distinct Christward movements are emerging among Hindus and Muslims, forming faith communities with deep roots in local culture. Many believers identify as followers of Jesus, prioritizing a personal relationship with Christ over denominational labels.
“They are Christian by conviction and by practice, but they have not turned to organized Christianity as such. Instead, they have turned to the person of Jesus Christ.”
The heart of these movements is worship and prayer, though more doctrinal training is needed. Rev. Lal stressed the importance of engaging these groups, helping them grow in unity and spiritual maturity within the greater church body.
Despite facing persecution, Indian Christians remain steadfast in faith and unwavering in their devotion to the Lord. There are regional inequalities, with better-resourced churches in the south and northeast and poorer, less-established congregations in the north and central areas. Improving access to leadership and discipleship initiatives remains a major priority.
India’s role is also changing on the global stage, as the Church transitions from receiver to sender of missionaries. Indian Christians are increasingly active in sharing the gospel with other nations, reflecting a biblical vision to reach the world with the hope of Christ.
Faith Facts
- A missionary journey to France highlighted the faith and endurance required during unexpected challenges.
- Christian communities in France are reviving old monasteries and convents for ministry and education.
- Personal stories of perseverance underscored the importance of prayer, fellowship, and God’s provision.
Before dawn in Chartres, France, weary travelers navigated the medieval city’s sidewalk detours while seeking their rideshare to the airport. Street repairs and roadblocks made the journey difficult, but the sense of partnership and prayer offered encouragement.
“Hello, I am your driver,” the driver assured in a message, confirming arrival before a tense wait ended with successful pickup.
A friend’s suggestion led to this journey, focusing on churches restoring abandoned monasteries and spreading Christian outreach across France. Each visit testified to the persistence and hope within God’s family, despite language barriers and physical setbacks.
Acts of kindness from locals helped the travelers overcome obstacles, reminding them of how God provides through others. Personal challenges, such as illness and injury, were met with gratitude and faith that God opens doors and sustains His children during trials.
This trip showcased believers in France dedicating renewed spaces for ministry and learning. Even amidst the exhaustion of travel, the reassurance of God’s guidance brought comfort and strength.
“Please stay put,” the traveler requested, trusting language and intentions would be understood in a foreign land.
In every challenge, faith, prayer, and Christian fellowship reminded these travelers—and readers—how God works through perseverance and trust.
Read more about Christian journeys in France at Christian Chronicle.
Faith Facts
- Over 550 Christian leaders and parliamentarians gathered for the 28th European Parliament Prayer Breakfast in Brussels.
- The event emphasized prayer, fellowship, and unity, with each attendee praying the Lord’s Prayer in their native language.
- The European Evangelical Alliance facilitated sessions on Christian advocacy and biblical integrity, encouraging a courageous evangelical voice.
Christian parliamentarians and leaders from across Europe assembled in Brussels for the significant 28th European Parliament Prayer Breakfast, focusing on prayer, fellowship, and collaboration firmly rooted in biblical values. The event’s humble cafeteria setting brought believers together to seek God’s guidance for Europe amid today’s challenges.
“It was a wonderful experience to worship and pray with 550 Members of the European Parliament, Christian politicians from many other countries, and Christian leaders at the European Parliament Prayer Breakfast,” Janet Epp Buckingham shared.
The European Evangelical Alliance welcomed leaders from many countries, emphasizing unity in Christ and intentional networking for greater impact. Strategic discussions and prayer reinforced a shared commitment to strengthening Christian witness and encouraging action for the common good.
The Prayer Breakfast continues the vision of Europe’s founding Christian leaders, prioritizing relationships and sacrificial love modeled after Christ’s teachings. Let us remain steadfast, praying for leaders to act with courage and biblical conviction as they serve Europe in these pivotal times.
Faith Facts
- YouVersion named Isaiah 41:10 as its most engaged verse for the fourth time in six years.
- Global Bible Month in November drove record-breaking Bible engagement on the app.
- YouVersion’s Bible App family surpassed one billion installs, offering Scripture in more than 2,300 languages.
God’s Word is reaching hearts worldwide as millions turn to Scripture for comfort and guidance, especially amid anxious times. Isaiah 41:10’s enduring message of divine strength and presence continues to reassure believers across the globe.
“I think this verse keeps rising to the top because it addresses one of our deepest needs, the assurance that we’re not alone.”
Bobby Gruenewald, Founder and CEO of YouVersion.
YouVersion’s historic November marked the highest Bible engagement yet, with over 19 million people opening the app on a single day and a 19% increase in daily use compared to the previous year. The 30-Day Bible Challenge inspired enduring habits of daily reading, reflecting a growing hunger for spiritual truth.
On January 1, more than 3 million individuals subscribed to year-long Bible reading plans, while Holy Week sparked a surge in prayer creation and scripture sharing. Unusual patterns of increased weekly engagement from late August through November highlight a global movement of spiritual awakening.
“We’re witnessing a global movement.”
Bobby Gruenewald.
“People are hungry for what’s real and true… These numbers represent millions of changed lives.”
Bible engagement soared in every region, with remarkable rises in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and North America. Top search topics on the app included “love,” “anxiety,” and “peace.”
Each second this year, believers completed Bible Plan days and interacted with verse features in ways that reflect a thriving global Christian community. Anchored in faith, YouVersion continues to equip families to read God’s Word daily, promoting biblical values and unity across cultures.
Stay rooted in Scripture and help spread God’s truth by sharing this resource with your community.
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