“Resources are very scarce” after severe flooding in India (September 18, 2024, Mission Network News)
Monsoon season in India usually runs from June to September. The end may be in sight, but devastation and risk of waterborne illness are present realities…“To hear him say that this was shocking and severe and that they couldn’t believe the damage was very troubling to us.”
India’s Christian leaders work to convince Modi government to curb attacks (July 25, 2024, Religion News Service)
False charges of forced conversion, say the leaders, are used to target Christians, who cite attacks on church properties and institutions, the harassment of pastors and raids on private parties. Attacks on Christians, who constitute only 2.3% of India’s 1.4 billion people, have risen sharply over the last few years. The main perpetrators of these crimes are extremists who believe Hinduism, India’s most prevalent faith, is synonymous with Indian identity and citizenship.
The Precarious Position of India’s Christians—and Its Democracy (July 11, 2024, Christianity Today)
During the last decade in India, a Hindu nationalist government has taken the helm, and Hindutva ideology, once considered as fringe, has become firmly entrenched and empowered politically and socially.
India’s “unexpected results” deflate Hindu nationalism, evangelicals unsure about effect on minorities (June 20, 2024, Evangelical Focus)
The coalition led by prime minister Narendra Modi still has a majority but failed in its expectations after losing 67 seats. “For many Christians, the loss brings a sense of relief”.
Indian Christians Relieved as Election Results Limit Hindu Nationalists (June 6, 2024, Christianity Today)
Many Indian Christians see this as a blessing…“The result is like breathing fresh air after a long time of suffocation,”
India: “The government has used nationalist and religious extremism to raise false propaganda against Christians” (May 14, 2024, Evangelical Focus)
Christianity in India is the only religion that does not attack, but it is always under attack. The question is why the government says it can do nothing, yet people who convert to Christianity radically change their lives from crime and drug addiction to civilised, tax-paying lives. It makes no sense that such people would then be disadvantaged.
India’s Christians Brace for 2024 Election Results (May 31, 2024, Christianity Today)
A key concern among Christians is the potential for a Modi-led BJP government to pursue policies detrimental to their rights and standing, including implementing nationwide a version of the anti-conversion laws currently active in 12 of India’s 28 states. But Christian leaders have also expressed concerns about the steady erosion of constitutional values and India’s secular ethos during Modi’s premiership.
Indian election 2024: Five key moments to understand the past six weeks (June 2, 2024, BBC)
India’s election, the biggest in the world, saw more than six weeks of gruelling campaigning - often in blistering heat. So what were the big talking points? And just how huge was it?
Uplifting Motherhood in India and the Church (May 13, 2024, World Evangelical Alliance)
Studies show that 59% of urban women in Delhi awaiting childbirth suffered from antepartum depression, and 41% experienced postpartum depression after delivery. Mental health challenges like anxiety and depression afflict mothers at alarming rates, impacting their emotional wellbeing and ability to nurture their children.
ARTPARK: From legged robots to advanced cargo drones, a look at India's first robotics park (May 5, 2024, Economic Times) (Subscription Required)
ARTPARK, India's pioneering AI and robotics hub established in 2020 within the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) campus, Bengaluru, aims to foster inclusivity and equitable access to technology. With a core focus on innovation, skilling, and industry collaboration, ARTPARK nurtures startups, supports research, and tackles societal challenges. Backed by substantial funding, it's a nexus for developing cutting-edge solutions and driving India's technological advancement.
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Joann Pittman
Joann Pittman is Vice President of Partnership and China Engagement and editor of ZGBriefs. Prior to joining ChinaSource, Joann spent 28 years working in China, as an English teacher, language student, program director, and cross-cultural trainer for organizations and businesses engaged in China. She has also taught Chinese at the University …View Full Bio
Blessing Asia
In October-2022 more than 500 Christian leaders from across Asia gathered in Thailand for the Asia 2022 Congress, sponsored by the Lausanne Movement and various partnering organizations. I had the opportunity to participate in the Congress virtually and was mightily blessed. From Bible exposition to K-pop worship, and through seminars and workshops, the participants were encouraged by the stories of what God is doing in countries all over Asia. Clearly, God is on the move.
A beautiful vision was portrayed in a video of the popular worship song The Blessing, featuring singers from all over Asia. Here it is:
Many of the sessions have already been posted on their website and to their YouTube channel.
One that I found particularly helpful considering all that is going on in China was a presentation titled Church and State Relationship in Asia Today. You can see the video here.
I encourage you to spend some time on their website; there are fantastic resources for understanding God’s work in Asia today.
Original link: https://www.chinasource.org/resource-library/blog-entries/blessing-asia/
Image credit: Andrea Brucker, via Unsplash
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