New Year!

The New Year is about to begin. Many people make big life decisions before the new year. Pray for the Christians of Delhi. Pray that they make new decisions to be bolder in sharing about Jesus. Pray that they make goals to share their faith daily, to read and study their Bible daily and to be a stronger follower of Jesus this year.

Cold!

The weather in Delhi is now cold. There are thousands of homeless people in Delhi and many more that are having to sleep in the cold weather without protection from the cold. Many idols in richer neighborhoods (as seen in the picture above) are taken care of and given warm things to wear while many people are freezing. Please pray for the Christians of Delhi. Pray that they show love to their friends and neighbors that are suffering right now. Pray that they share Jesus' love by caring for them physically and spiritually.

Post-Christmas!

Christmas is over. Many Christians throughout the city had different kinds of outreaches on Christmas in order to reach their lost friends and neighbors. Many people heard the Christmas story for the first time and heard about why Jesus came and why we celebrate his birth. Please pray for the people that heard the Christmas story this week. Pray for those that aren't followers of Jesus! Pray that their lives are changed from hearing the story of Jesus. Pray that they want to follow Jesus!

Ashura

Today is a Muslim holiday called Ashura (sometimes called Moharram in Delhi). It is mostly celebrated by Shia Muslims as a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali (the grandson of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad). Sunni Muslims also remember the day saying that Moses fasted on that day to thank God for taking the Israelites from Egypt.

This day is very significant for Shia Muslims. There are more than 40-55 million Shias in India! This day is very significant to Shias. They consider Husayn (the one that was martyred) the third Imam and the rightful successor of Muhammad. On this day, to connect with Husayn's martyrdom, Shias express mourning by crying and listening to poems about it and sermons on how he and his family were martyred. There are many groups of Shias that will cut themselves and hit themselves with chains on this day so that they can relate to his pain.

Many Shia believe that taking part in Ashura is to be absolved of sin. There is a popular Shia saying that says:

"A single tear shed for Husayn washes away a hundred sins."

Please pray for those Shias celebrating this holiday. Pray that they learn about Jesus and how he is the only one that can absolve sin and is the only way their sins can be washed away. Pray that someone will tell them that today!

Muharram

We are currently in the Muslim month of Muharram. It is the first month of the year according to the Islamic calendar. This year it is December 7- January 4th. It is one of the sacred months of the year where fighting is prohibited. This is a very important month for Muslims. Please pray for Muslims during this month. During this time of peace, pray that they will come to know the Prince of Peace! Pray for the Muslims of Delhi! Pray that their lives are changed this month!

Street Sweepers

Almost every street in Delhi is swept by a street sweeper. People of Delhi usually busily pass them as they go on about their daily lives. Please pray for the street sweepers of Delhi. Pray that someone will stop and share with them about Jesus. Pray that the Christians of Delhi aren't too busy to stop and share with them about Jesus. Pray that the street sweepers of Delhi come to have a relationship with Jesus!

Cycle Rickshaw Pullers

There are many cycle rickshaw pullers in Delhi. Please pray for the Christians that are rickshaw pullers. Pray that they use the opportunities they have while pulling the rickshaw to share with those they are taking around. Pray that they are bold! Pray also for Christians that ride in Cycle Rickshaws. Pray that Christians in Delhi will share with their cycle rickshaw pullers!

Please pray today for those in Delhi that have NEVER heard the name of Jesus! There are millions of people in Delhi and a huge amount of those people don't know who Jesus is and have never heard his name. Please stop and pray for them today, that someone will tell them!

Bania People Group - pt. 2

It is said: "If you give a Bania a handful of sand, he can turn it into gold." Banias have the reputation in Delhi and the rest of India as being "money-minded." Much o the typical Bania's life revolves around the idea that with money comes peace of mind and security. The majority of Banias are Hindus with a percentage of them following the Jain religion. For most Banias, God is seen as impersonal and even unknowable. There are over 22 million Banias in India. No known Christian churches made up of Bania-background believers exists.

Please ask God to give the Bania people hearts that seek an intimate knowledge of and relationship with Him! Pray that the Banias will discover what it means to be truly rich through at relationship with Jesus.

"I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart."

Jeremiah 24:7

Bania People Group

There are over 24 million Banias in South Asia and over 2 million of them live in Delhi. Banias are an upper caste people group that are very prominent and influential in Delhi. They are famous for their love of money. They do a lot of business-related jobs, or any type of job that makes money. Many Banias feel that they have everything that they need and that they don't need Jesus.

Please pray for the Banias. Pray that Christians will not be afraid to share with them. Pray that the Banias will see their need for Jesus! Pray for the very few known Bania believers in Delhi, that they will be bold in sharing with their Bania family members!

Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak's birthday is today. On this holiday the Sikhs of Delhi will be celebrating the birthday of this Guru.

Guru Nanak was the first of the 10 Sikh Gurus. He is famous for preaching against idol worship.

Sikhism follows the teachings of these Gurus, but they consider themselves a monotheistic religion. Sikhs believe there is only one God who has infinite qualities and names.

Please pray for the Sikhs of Delhi as they are celebrating this holiday. Sikhs already state that they believe that there is only one God - please pray that they will learn to know the ONE TRUE GOD! Pray for opportunities for Christians to share with them about Him! Pray for Christians from a Sikh Background. Pray that they know how to minister to their friends and families!

Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak's birthday is November 21st (it changes based on the moon). His birthday is also celebrated the 2 days before it. This weekend the Sikhs of Delhi will be celebrating the birthday of this Guru.

Guru Nanak was the first of the 10 Sikh Gurus. He is famous for preaching against idol worship.

Sikhism follows the teachings of these Gurus, but they consider themselves a monotheistic religion. Sikhs believe there is only one God who has infinite qualities and names.

Please pray for the Sikhs of Delhi as they are celebrating this holiday. They already state that they believe that there is only one God - please pray that they will learn to know the ONE TRUE GOD! Pray for opportunities for Christians to share with them about Him!

Eid-Ul-Adha - Baqri Eid

Today is Eid. Today Muslim families and friends will get together and sacrifice a goat to remember Abraham's sacrifice. In the morning, men will go to the Mosques for morning prayers. After the prayers, the men will come home and sacrifice the goats (or other animal that they may have). The sacrificed meat will be divided into three parts - one for the poor, one for their neighbors and one for themselves.

Please pray for Delhi's Muslims. Please pray that they will learn about Jesus' sacrifice once and for all (Hebrews 10:1-18). Pray that Christians will share with the Muslims of Delhi about Jesus' sacrifice!

Eid-Ul-Adha

November 17th is a Muslim holiday called Eid-Ul-Adha. In the next few days, Muslims will be purchasing the best domestic animal they can afford for this holiday. In Delhi it is usually a goat (which is why in Delhi this holiday is usually called Baqra/Baqri Eid - Goat Festival). This sacrifice is in remembrance of the story of Abraham and God's command to sacrifice his son (in which later God gave him an animal to sacrifice in his son's place).

Please pray for Christians of Delhi during this time that they will be bold in sharing with the Muslims of Delhi! Many people are afraid of Muslims and do not talk or share with them. Please pray for boldness that they will not be afraid to share with Muslims about the hope that they have inside. Pray that Muslims of Delhi (and all over the world) will be open to hearing and are able to understand the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Children's Day!

Today is a holiday called Children's Day! This holiday is internationally celebrated on the 20th of November, but India celebrates it today on the birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru (India's first Prime Minister) who loved children. Children get special treatment on this day and it is a day loved by all children!

Please pray for the children of Delhi! There are millions of children in Delhi that don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ! Please pray for them as they go about their day. Pray that they will learn about Jesus. pray for the Christian children in Delhi, that they won't be afraid to share Jesus with their friends! Pray that they are bold!

Don't be Timid!

⁷ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. ⁸ So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. ⁹ He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, ¹⁰ but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

2 Timothy 1:7-10

Please pray for the Christians of Delhi - pray for boldness!

Chhath

Today begins a Hindu holiday called Chhath (छठ - also called Dala Chhath). This is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Hindu Sun god - Surya. Puja (worship) is performed in order to thank Surya for sustaining life on earth and to ask for things. The sun is worshiped during this festival to promote progress, prosperity and well-being. Sun worship is believed to help cure a many diseases like leprosy and is believed to give long lives and prosperity to family members and friends.

The rituals of this festival are observed over 4 days. Some of the rituals are holy bathing (in the holy rivers), fasting from both food and water, standing in water for long periods of time and praying and giving offerings to the rising and setting sun.

Please pray for the Hindus of Delhi during this time. Pray that they feel empty as they celebrate this holiday. Pray that they will learn of the true light of the world and begin worshiping the Son instead of the sun.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

Post-Diwali

As with many holidays, Diwali has a lot of excitement and hype leading up to it. With holidays like that there can be a lot of post-holiday blues. Many people can get down and depressed after a big holiday. Please pray for Christians of Delhi this time. Pray that they can be there for their Hindu, Jain and Sikh friends after the holidays. Pray that they can show them hope and joy that comes only from Jesus! Pray that Christians are bold in sharing their faith!

Diwali - Day 5 - Bhai Duj

Today is the last day of Diwali. This day (Bhai Duj or Bhau-beej) is for celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. The sisters will put a tilak (line or lines) on their brother's forehead and the brothers will pamper their sisters and pledge to stand by her side through all of the ups and downs in life.

This part of the holiday isn't as popular in Delhi as in other parts of India, but this can be an important day for people. Please pray for those Christian brothers and sisters that are a part of a Hindu, Jain or Sikh family. Pray that they can really minister to their families on this day. Pray for other Christians that they will show brotherly and sisterly love to their friends and neighbors and that they will share the love of Jesus with them!

Diwali - Day 4 - Padwa & Govardhan Puja

Today is the fourth day of Diwali called Padwa & Govardhan Puja. On this day, as a symbol of love and affection between husband and wife, the married couples exchange gifts. They will also celebrate the Govardhan Puja (worship).

Please pray for the people of Delhi at this time. Pray that Christians will share the love of Jesus with their neighbors. Pray that they will show them how to have a relationship with Jesus! Pray for Christian couples during this day also, that their relationships will be strengthened.

Diwali - Day 3 - Festival of Lights!

Today is the day many people refer to as Diwali. This is the third day of Diwali and it is usually called Diwali, Festival of Lights or Lakshmi Puja (Lakshmi Worship). Many families begin this day by making rangolis (one is seen in the picture above). Diwali is the Festival of Lights! Light is the theme of this day of the holiday! Houses and businesses are all decorated with lights. On this night, people will light diyas (lamps) and light firecrackers most of the night! Light is an important part of this holiday! It is the conquering of light over darkness!

"You O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light."

Psalm 18:28

Please pray for the people of Delhi during this holiday. Pray that they will learn about the true light of the world! Pray that followers of Jesus will shine their light and share with others about the light of the world! Pray that Christians are bold in sharing their light! Pray for lives to be changed!!

Diwali - Day 2 - Choti Diwali (Little Diwali)

Today is the 2nd day of Diwali called "Choti Diwali" (also known as Little Diwali or Narak Chaturdasi). A popular legend about this day is that the god Krishna freed the earth from fear and the tyranny of the demon King Naraksur. Most people buy sweets on this day to give to their friends and family. This part of the festival is said to mark the end of evil and the beginning of joy and laughter.

The TRUE God is the only one who can give true joy and laughter.

"You turned my wailing into dancing;

you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.

O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever."

Psalm 30:11-12

- Pray for the Hindus, Jains & Sikhs of Delhi, that they will come to know TRUE joy and laughter that can only come from Jesus Christ!

- Please pray for the new believers of Delhi and this time. The holidays are a big struggle for new believers as they are trying to decide how to celebrate these holidays with their family an stay in their community will also standing strong for Jesus and showing the difference he has made in their life!

- Pray for the followers of Jesus that they will not only share sweets with their neighbors and friends, but also boldly share the sweet love of Jesus!!

Diwali - Day 1 - Dhanteras -The Festival of Wealth

Today is the first day of Diwali. Diwali (also called the Festival of Lights) is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. The first day of Diwali is known as Dhanteras and it is the biggest shopping day of the year. During this holiday, people will honor and worship Lakshmi - the goddess of wealth. The purchase of new things - especially in the form of a precious metal - is said to bring luck and wealth to the home for the next year. The more precious metal and more money you spend, the more luck and wealth you will have.

Please pray for the Hindus, Jains and Sikhs of Delhi during this time of Dhanteras. Pray that they will come to understand what true wealth is! Pray that the Christians of Delhi will share with their unbelieving friends about true wealth in Jesus Christ!

"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Though him you believe in God, who raised him form the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God."

1 Peter 1:18-21

Masses of People

Here is a picture of some people during the Commonwealth Games. Most of the Indians that attended t the games were from Delhi. Please take a moment and look at the people in this picture. Please pray with us that the people you see in this picture will hear the Good News of Jesus and that they will open their hearts and accept Christ alone as their personal Lord and Savior!

Prostitutes of GB Road - HIV/AIDS

photo from tribuneindia.com

There are 37,900 registered sex workers in Delhi. Most, if not all, of them are on GB Road. It is not mandatory in India for sex workers to have a health certificate on STDs, so many of these workers are passing on many STDs to their customers. In 2004, 8% of workers in brothels tested positive for HIV. Right now in 2010 those numbers are likely to be drastically higher. Please pray for these women. Most of these women cannot afford to go to the doctor and also cannot afford medicine. Pray for Christian women in Delhi. Pray that they share with these women. Pray that they learn about Jesus! Pray for them as they are hurting, that their hearts are healed through a relationship with Jesus!

"O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me."

Psalm 30:2

SG of GB Road

SG is a prostitute that works on GB Road. Please pray for her. Pray that someone will share the love of Jesus with her. Pray that she learns about how Jesus loves her and cares about her. Pray that someone tells her about Jesus! Pray that the Christian women of Delhi are not afraid to to share with those that work on GB Road.

GB Road

In a recent article by the Times of India, Delhi was highlighted as the "Red Light Capital" of India. The city of Delhi has the most registered sex workers in all of India. Delhi has 37,900 registered sex workers and it is thought that there are many more. GB road is the red light area of Delhi. Today, please pray for those that live and work on GB road. Pray for Christian women of Delhi. Pray that they feel a burden to go out to GB road and share with those that work there. There are many lost men and women that frequent and live on this road! Please pray for those that are there.

CWG - Praise!

Thank you so much for your prayers for the Commonwealth Games here in Delhi! Many people got to hear the Gospel and many lives were changed during the Games! Thank you!

Through the many people praying and sharing during the games, over 1200 people prayed to receive Christ!! There were also over 100,000 tracts, Bibles, New Testaments or other pieces of literature passed out to people.

How you can pray!

- Pray for the 1200 people that prayed to receive Christ! About 90% of those people live in the Delhi area! Pray that their relationship with Christ does not end there! Pray that they meet other Christian believers that can teach them and disciple them. Pray that they get plugged into a local church. Pray that they didn't just pray that prayer, but that their lives are changed forever!

- Pray for the people that received tracts, Bibles new Testaments and other pieces of literature during the games. Pray that the people that received those items will read the things that they got. Pray that it won't just collect dust at their house, but change their lives. Pray that they have a Christian friend or someone else who can teach them and show them Jesus!

Thank you for praying! Please continue to pray for the awesome city of Delhi!

CWG - Medals!

India won more medals and more golds this Commonwealth Games than they ever had before! There has been much pride and excitement surrounding this victory. India came in second out of all 71 countries in the most gold medals!

Now that the games are over, some of the excitement is starting to wear off. Please pray for those in Delhi that don't know Jesus. Help them to see that there are things worth far more than silver, gold or bronze.

"Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,

the man who gains understanding.

For she is more profitable than silver

and yields better returns than gold.

She is more precious than rubies;

nothing you desire can compare with her."

Proverbs 3:13-15

Please pray for the Christians of Delhi. Pray that they will have wisdom. Pray that they share Jesus with their friends and neighbors! Pray that Christians not only know that Jesus is worth more than gold or sliver, but that they act like it! Pray for boldness!

Dusshera

Today is a Hindu holiday called Dussehra or Dusshera. It takes place during Durga Puja. This holiday has not been celebrated as usual this year because of the Commonwealth Games. They have not been allowed to have big celebrations for this holiday because of the Governmental regulations during the games. Dusshera (a part of Durga Puja) takes place today. It's a holiday that has a long history that is based on the stories from the Ramayana. The festival basically celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the death of the demon king Ravana. To celebrate this, there is a big festival and burn effigies of this demon king.

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Pray for the people celebrating this holiday today that they will come to know the one who is truly good!

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"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight."

Isaiah 5:20-21