Day 9 - India

Perseverance despite persecution

Arunagiri’s story:

When Arunagiri told his family about his faith in Christ, his father threw him out of the house and threatened to kill him. This young man walked over 170 kilometres, without food, hoping to find refuge with a friend. His friend, however, rejected him. Finally, he found shelter in the home of a pastor. There Arunagiri became a believer in Jesus, through the study of the Bible.

As his faith grew, Arunagiri told others about Jesus. He arranged for a showing of the Jesus film. But when angry youths found out they broke his equipment and flung him from the top of the building to the ground. When the mob realised he hadn’t died, they started beating him. But God preserved his life and today this Bible League-trained church planter persists in introducing others to the living Lord.

Rajendra’s story:

Rajendra had a deep passion for sharing the Gospel but he had no Bible training. That's when Bible League workers introduced him to Church Planter Training - hands on modules combined with regular 'on the field' ministry.

“Thanks to God and Bible League, I have learnt important subjects like personal evangelism, stewardship, spiritual warfare and inductive Bible study."

Rajendra is passionate about church planting and sharing the Gospel—but it comes at a price.

“I’ve been attacked and beaten but I want to keep planting churches in my locality.”

Place Bibles with Persecuted Christains

Kids Spot

What age do most children leave school in India? Why?

For boys the average age to leave school is 11 years and for girls it’s 9 years (CIA World Factbook 2005).

About one third of all Indian children are out of school. Some of the reasons include:

• Child labour – Children are forced to work in dangerous jobs with little or no pay or food. At least 11 million children in India are involved in child labour.
• Poverty - Seventy five percent of the Indian population still reside in rural areas and are very poor. In some rural areas, there is no access to proper education so children have no choice.
• Parent’s lackof interest in education for their kids – Some parents would prefer their children go out and earn a wage for the family instead of receiving education.

View all 21 Stories | Next Story | Order your booklet today!