Thursday, November 10, 2011

Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak's birthday is November 10th (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!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Northeast Delhi

Northeast Delhi is a very populated part of the city.  There are more than 29,000 people per sq kilometer!  According to an article on NPR that is only slightly more than Manhattan BUT Manhattan is a city full of high-rises where people are stacked up tens of stories high... Northeast Delhi is not...   Most buildings in Northeast Delhi have no more than 4 or 5 floors - so the people are crowded into a much smaller area - "The mosh pit of modern Indian life."   

"Most Americans know what it's like to be part of a sea of people at a rally or a rock concert.  It's exhilarating and exhausting, but sooner or later, it comes to an end.  The noise stops.  The people go home.  Now, try to imagine a place where the crush of people and the noise and motion never stop."

There are millions of people in this district of Delhi.... most of them do not have a relationship with Jesus!  Northeast Delhi is a very lost area!  Pray that house churches will spring up all over this district!!!  Pray that many people will come to a relationship with Jesus!!


Sunday, November 6, 2011

Eid al-Adha




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!


There is a broadcast going on TVs today in Delhi and all over India to share with Muslims about Jesus!  Please pray that many Muslims watch and want to know more about Jesus!


4 It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
 5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said:
   “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
   but a body you prepared for me;
6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings
   you were not pleased.
7 Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—
   I have come to do your will, my God.’”[a]
 8 First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. 9Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Hebrews 10:4-10

Friday, November 4, 2011

Pre-Eid


November 6th 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.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

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