Story number 1 for 2 Jan 2003

(India)–Topping the news, India’s Gujarat State has sworn in a fiery chief minister who has reunited the Bharatiya Janata Party (ba-RAH-tee-ya Juh-NAH-ta) under a banner that is causing concern for mission agencies. We spoke with International Needs Network’s Ricky Gnakanan (YAH-nuh-kan) from Bangalore, India. “This has been a very strong campaign, and very openly pro-Hindu state, so as a result, this could have a very serious impact on evangelistic activities in Gujarat.” Gnakanan says as a result of this new dynamic in Indian politics, “…the pressure is definitely on the Christians, so that wherever there are outreaches going on, there are open attacks on believers. Prayers are needed for those Christians who are actually involved in proclaiming the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Please pray for the safety of the Network’s team members as they continue their outreach throughout India.