Story number 1 for 29 May 2002

(India)–We begin today’s newscast in India where the rising death toll from the heat wave is compounded by anxiety over saber rattling with neighboring Pakistan. AMG International’s Paul Jenks says they are working carefully, but oddly, the focus of persecution against believers appears to have been diffused. “There is a very aggressive Hindu government in place, and Christian activity is just one other distraction away from being in control of the country. Then, of course, with all the difficulties that have been taking place in Pakistan, these tensions have just mounted dramatically.” Jenks says their evangelistic work is focused on helping leprosy victims and holding special camps for the schoolchildren. While he does confirm incidents of hostility to their workers, he doesn’t believe it’s unusual. “More from just radical Hindus who don’t want Christians leading villagers to Christ; it’s probably more of the challenge that we face than really because of the Pakistan conflict.”