Persecution Response

Why Stand With India’s Christians?

According to Open Doors International, India ranks #12 in the world for intensity of persecution against Christians.

Persecution impacts every area of Indian Christians’ lives: their community interactions, family growth, church life, and even financial transactions are under scrutiny.

At the national level, things are getting worse: India has 13 state-level anti-conversion laws. These laws are said to protect vulnerable people from being manipulated or forced into leaving their religions, but in practice, they’re used to intimidate and harass Christians.

In states where these laws are enforced:

• Pastors and Christian leaders can be arrested for praying with someone
• New believers are forced to pray or read their Bibles in secret
• Churches face constant fear of disruption or false accusations

Acts of mercy and generosity, including meeting basic needs like hunger, can be misconstrued as attempts to exert undue influence or “coerce”

How Your Gift is Reaching Families in Need

Providing Preparedness Training

Before persecution strikes, Christians need practical wisdom. Through our persecution preparedness program, leaders receive in-person training where they learn how to:

• Respond biblically when accused
• Protect their families and congregations
• Navigate legal and social pressures
• Continue ministry with courage and discernment

Caring for Families

After an incident occurs—whether through arrest, violence, or social pressure—families are often left without income, protection, or support. Your gift helps provide:

• Essential household goods like groceries
• Emergency relief for those facing loss of income
• Support for families affected by property damage, displacement, or medical needs

Providing Legal Assistance and Protection

Many Christians are jailed without evidence and face serious risk while in custody. Your gift covers:

• Legal assistance and representation
• Protection and advocacy in situations of mistreatment

Restoring Hope Through Family Retreats

For families who have endured persecution, Mission India hosts retreats designed to bring healing, encouragement, and renewed hope. Your gift offers them:

• Meals, fellowship, and encouragement
• Practical materials like blankets and children’s items

The Well of Life

When Vihaan gave his life to Jesus, he knew he would never turn back.

After months of being tormented by evil spirits—and trying desperately to get his gods’ attention—Vihaan was tired of waiting. So as soon as Church Planter Sunil shared the Gospel with him, Vihaan ran to Christ wholeheartedly.

But Vihaan was a lead village elder, and his belief in Christ put him under scrutiny.

The village attacked. They socially boycotted Vihaan’s family. They harassed them. They cut Vihaan’s family off from the village well—the only source of water in the area.

And when Vihaan’s new Christian community came around the family, digging them a new, private well, the villagers didn’t give up.

They threw garbage in the new well and delivered threats to Vihaan’s doorstep.

But Vihaan and his family aren’t wavering. They know that the truth of the Gospel—and the peace it brings them—is worth all of this and more.

Vihaan and his family need YOU, the body of Christ, to stand firm with them. Your gift supports Christians like him, meeting practical needs as they live out their faith in some of India’s most challenging places.