Pray for Boldness!

^"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!

Salt of the Earth

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 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 5:13-16

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.

Makar Sankranti / Pongal / Maghi

Today is the first day of a holiday called Pongal or Makar Sankranti or Maghi.  This is a holiday that is called different names and celebrated differently all over the country (and all over Delhi as well).  

On this holiday, many Hindus will go to the Ganges (or stay in Delhi and go to the Yamuna River) and bathe (to clean themselves and get a new start to the new year).

Many Sikhs will visit the Gurdwara (temple) to honor the Forty Liberated Ones (Chali Mukte) that sacrificed their own lives defending an attack and pursuit of Guru Gobind Singh.

Today, some groups of people in Delhi completely clean out their homes.  They collect all of their unwanted things and give them away.  All of the useless household items will be burnt in a fire tonight.  This day marks the start of a new cycle or a new beginning.  

This day is supposed to be for domestic activities and being together with family.  Please pray for new Christians in Delhi on this day. Pray that they will be together with their families for this holiday and share the love of Jesus as they work to help clean.  Pray that Christians will use today to share with their friends, family and neighbors how they can really have a New Beginning by having a relationship with Jesus!!  Pray that many people today will have a new beginning!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:  The old has gone, the new is here!"

2 Corinthians 5:17  

Lohri

Today is a holiday called Lohri.   It's a Punjabi holiday that is dedicated to the end of the Winter Season.  Tonight, many people will build fires and stand around them together singing songs and celebrating that the weather will begin to get warmer now.  There are a few religious things that can be associated with the holiday, but for most people in Delhi it is just a "folk" holiday.  They will sing folk songs, throw popcorn into the fire and sing and dance until the fire goes out.  Drummers will walk around the neighborhoods and play for the people around the fires.  

Please pray for those celebrating tonight.  Please pray for the Christians that are in those groups of people celebrating Lohri.   Pray that they use their opportunity with their friends and neighbors to tell a Bible story or teach a song about Jesus.  Pray that they are bold in sharing their faith!