Now is God’s Time for India
Our world is rapidly changing!
For many years, the majority of our lives were managed within the borders of our country. We now live with the reality of a global economy in which U.S. markets are significantly affected by what is happening in Europe and Asia. Political leaders, market analysts and the world’s corporate community have had to come to grips with this new reality. They have witnessed first-hand the consequences that come from ignoring the rapid change that is taking place.
Christianity is also encountering significant change. Over the past several years, evangelism has been focused within the defined borders of our known world here in North America. The U.S. has been the center of operation for most Christian advance. This is no longer the case! Outside the borders of our country, nationals in places like China, Uganda and India are sharing the gospel and seeing thousands come to Christ daily. This was brought to light in a recent study on global trends commissioned by First Fruit, Inc. “Both Islam and Christianity will continue to see rapid, but uneven growth. Christianity will grow in the Global South….primarily driven by an indigenous mission’s movement.”
As I travel across North America, it is shocking to learn that most churches and church leaders are oblivious to what is happening spiritually around the globe. We are so focused on what is happening within the defined borders of North America, in our own “Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria,” that we are neglecting our call to impact the world “to the uttermost.” As a result, the church in North America is failing to capitalize on the opportunities we have abroad to advance the witness of Jesus Christ through effective, indigenous means.
Rev. Samuel Stephens, president of India Gospel League, has, on numerous occasions, stated, “Now is God’s time for India!” Having been to India and seen it first hand, I couldn’t agree more. Remarkably, after hundreds of years of resistance to the gospel, India is now receiving it. The result is an explosive, God-breathed expansion of the church! I am convinced that it is not a result of some effective strategy, but can only be accounted for by seeing this expansion as a movement of God!
During a military campaign, when an army is seeing victorious advancement on the battlefront, a wise commander will focus maximum force in that area. We are engaged in a great battle: “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5a).
Religious strongholds which have long-kept people in gross darkness are being destroyed. As believers in North America we do not operate any longer in a world defined within our borders. We are a part of a global church that has been called to preach the gospel to every people, family, tribe and village.
Are you interested in joining this globally aware movement among God’s people? Would you consider adopting a barefoot pastor serving in the rural villages of India and Sri Lanka? Empowered by the Holy Spirit and equipped with a Bible and a bicycle, they are on the front lines of this great battle for the hearts of men. God is bringing great victory through their ministry.
Now is God’s time for India! Join us in empowering the front lines.
-David Rice
I could not agree more Dr. Rice. That is why I came to the Sharon campus. To join the front lines in an effort to impact the lives of the people of India for Christ. I pray more people in America will join in the effort to reach the world for Christ. If they choose India then they are stepping into a well organized, an on mission, and a passionate organization to do so!