India: a land of more than a billion people
India is the largest democracy in the world. With over 1.2 billion people, India is second only to China in population. It is estimated that in a few years India will become the largest country by population in the world.
A land of over 400 languages
India is virtually a "Babel" when it comes to languages. There are 416 languages in use in this land. Of these 222 are considered "major" languages spoken by a minimum of 100,000 people. Millions speak languages such as Bhojpuri, Maithili, Maghi, and Harianwi. The Holy Bible is still not available to millions in their own mother tongues.
A land of 4,693 'people groups'
India is made up of thousands of different people groups or ethnic groups. (The Indian word is "jathi"). Jesus commanded us to make disciples of every "people group" or "nation". See Matthew 24:14; 28:19 and 20; Revelation 5:9 and 10; 6:9 and 10. Yet thousands of the ethnic groups in India have no believers among them. Most of the unreached people groups of the world live in India.
Christians: A tiny minority in two pockets
The Christian population in India, according to the government figures is only 2.3% of the population. Even if we follow the optimistic figures given by Christian leaders, it is only 4 or 5%. Of these 80% are found in the southern three states and in a few of the small states in northeast.
Doors for foreign missionaries closed
The government of India decided to close its doors for foreign missionaries back in 1975. Since then the government has given very few new missionary visas. Moreover, they have been systematically expelling missionaries from India.
Today there are very few foreign missionaries left in India. The few that are present cannot actively take part in evangelism.
The Challenge
How can we reach such a complex nation with the Gospel?
Partnership and cooperation are essential
No one person or organization can fulfill the Great Commission alone in India. All concerned Christians must partner together to obey our Lord Jesus Christ.
National Christians: an Important Key
Good News for India firmly believes that one of the most important keys in reaching India with the Gospel is Indian Christians. Therefore we must train and support Indian Christians to fulfill the Great Commission in India.
Why National Christians?