We want you to feel connected to our family of believers around the world by sharing the stories of hope and suffering we receive every day from our workers on the field. Often, that means prayers for believers facing persecution - and prayers of thanksgiving when God acts in His mercy. But sometimes, it means praying for Christians facing the prospect of new laws that would be devastating. Recently, India passed legislation that will restrict the rights of believers across the country. We need to be on guard when we hear news like this and stand in solidarity and prayer with our brothers and sisters.
The Freedom of Religion Act sounds like it might ease the tensions we've reported to you over the last several months. But it is actually an anti-conversion law, which makes it difficult or impossible for someone to change his or her religion without extensive government and social intervention.
Father God, encourage the hearts of our Indian brothers and sisters who long to openly worship You, and give them courage to gather and draw strength from each other even in the midst of this threat.
The law will require anyone who wants to change religion to submit a declaration to authorities stating they were not forced to make the change.
Such a declaration also gives the government and the community notice of the conversion and makes persecution much more likely. We feel heavy-hearted for our family in India as we read this news.
Of course, we oppose the idea of anyone being forced to convert - or prevented from doing so if they choose. But in India, this type of law usually leads to more believers being put in the cross-hairs of persecution and discrimination.
Dear Jesus, set legislators and lawmakers in place who will expose these sinister laws in India. Give them wisdom in debating the issue and keep India from putting many of her people at grave risk.
Thanks so much for praying, Elohim bless you. Taken from Open Doors USA text alert. To sign up for text alerts please visit their website.
The Freedom of Religion Act sounds like it might ease the tensions we've reported to you over the last several months. But it is actually an anti-conversion law, which makes it difficult or impossible for someone to change his or her religion without extensive government and social intervention.
Father God, encourage the hearts of our Indian brothers and sisters who long to openly worship You, and give them courage to gather and draw strength from each other even in the midst of this threat.
The law will require anyone who wants to change religion to submit a declaration to authorities stating they were not forced to make the change.
Such a declaration also gives the government and the community notice of the conversion and makes persecution much more likely. We feel heavy-hearted for our family in India as we read this news.
Of course, we oppose the idea of anyone being forced to convert - or prevented from doing so if they choose. But in India, this type of law usually leads to more believers being put in the cross-hairs of persecution and discrimination.
Dear Jesus, set legislators and lawmakers in place who will expose these sinister laws in India. Give them wisdom in debating the issue and keep India from putting many of her people at grave risk.
Thanks so much for praying, Elohim bless you. Taken from Open Doors USA text alert. To sign up for text alerts please visit their website.
