South Asian churches commemorated on Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

By International Mission Board staff

High in the Himalayan mountains of South Asia, there is a valley that is home to eight million Muslims. God is at work among people to bring salvation to many, but new believers face severe persecution.

As the Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church approaches, will you pray for believers in this valley and other fellow believers who face threats, beatings, imprisonment, loss of family and income, and even death for? Jesus’?

Among apathetic, unreached people groups in this Himalayan region, IMB missionaries are making the gospel accessible to local artisans. Men and women make hand-painted ornaments, a skill passed down through generations. The sale of crafts provides money for families, but also gives Christians the opportunity to share the gospel. Believers of Muslim origin participate in church planting among the lost.

Every year, hundreds of Muslims, including those in this Himalayan valley, leave Islam and declare faith in Jesus. The gospel is spreading from family to family and village to village day by day. With the growth of this kingdom, cruelty also increases.

Almost all of them are harassed and threatened by their families. Some were beaten or arrested. A few were killed for their beliefs. Despite all opposition, the kingdom continues to grow and prosper.

Ahmed is a Christian of Muslim origin who faces opposition. Under persecution for 25 years, he stood up and boldly proclaimed Jesus. God is blessing his ministry as he and other Christians have recently planted the first churches among three different unconnected, unreached people groups in the valley.

Just last year, Ahmed faced arrest, beatings and many threats for the sake of the gospel. Thankfully, the Lord supported him despite all these acts of cruelty.

God is at work among South Asian Muslims. Pray that the work will continue to help advance the gospel among people who are truly loved by the Lord.

November 3 is the Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. On this day, remember to pray for churches like those in South Asia and for church leaders like Ahmed who face many acts of persecution.

Find resources to guide your prayers imb.org/persecuted.