India (MNN) ― Ten states in India are looking at elections with a general election scheduled for 2009. Christians fear more violence could accompany the political season and push forward pending anti-conversion bills in places like Andhra Pradesh state.
Compass Direct News reports the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party is apparently planning to use religion-related issues to polarize voters. They are planning major rallies in almost all state capitals by the end of March.
The BJP was also behind a push in Andhra Pradesh to move forward on stopping the growth of the church.
Joel and Karen Hays head up Book of Hope's India team, working out of Andhra Pradesh State, where anti-conversion legislation is being discussed.
Asked if the passage of the law would affect the team, Joel says, "On one hand, no, it won't affect us directly because we've avoided those areas. But it does affect some of our partners. We have had situations where there has been retaliation that has caused the local group to certainly withdraw from the exposure that they were previously having."
Karen says they reach the adults with the Gospel when they work first with the children. They're working with a partner to cultivate this program. "We've called it ‘Hope Clubs,' and this is for kids with really no biblical worldview. This club will allow children to hear and more fully understand and be discipled, so that they have a fuller knowledge of who Jesus is and what He can be in their life."
Pray that God will provide effective and essential care as well as support and education for these desperately needy Indian children. Pray that Book of Hope will develop strategic alliances and partnerships in India and join in this war for India's children.
