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Militants push anti-conversion laws; ministry trains pastors

Radical Hindus are pushing the Andhra Pradesh State Government to enact an anti-conversion law, reports MNN.

Recently, the national secretary of the Bajrang Dal demanded movement by government leaders toward curbing the conversion of Hindus. He noted the "alarming rate" of growth in the church and wants to stop it.

Global Advance's David Shibley says their team is headed to Hyderabad, India at the end of the month for a Frontline Shepherd's Conference to help church leaders prepare for what's coming. "I am standing before men and women who very possibly may lay down their lives in martyrdom for Jesus Christ. We give them affirmation; we give them encouragement; we also teach them Scriptural principles on how to thrive when under threat."

The Frontline Shepherd's Conferences are catalysts for church planting and indigenous missions efforts. They work to provide national pastors and church leaders with a vision in their hearts for the advance of the Gospel.

Such work is not without its risks. According to statistics from Gospel For Asia, of the 33 tribal groups in Andhra Pradesh, 16 have yet to be won to Christ. Hostility is growing but so is record growth in evangelistic churches.

Shibley says the solidarity of the body of Christ comes through prayer. "We are very grateful for prayers for the safety of our teams, particularly in this climate where antagonism against Christians is a growing threat in India. We're very confident that God is going to do something wonderful in these Global Advance conferences in India and that the church is going to take major steps forward."

This month, the Global Advance team will be in Chandigarrh, India, February 14-16, Vishakaputnam, India - February 19-24, and in Hyderabad, India - February 25-27.

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[02/07/2008]

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