Broken glass in India

Over the past several years, Christians in India have been fearful of new laws passed by the national government. In 2023, several sources that track reports of violence have confirmed those fears.

One report published by the United Christian Forum in June 2023 stated, “we have just completed half a year of 190 days and we have already witnessed 400 incidents of violence against Christians across 23 States in India. Comparatively, during the same period from January to June 2022, there were 274 incidents of violence against Christians.”

These changes have made it harder for ReFrame Ministries’ partners to share the gospel using media. ReFrame’s partners in Northern India say they risk being accused of pressuring people to convert to Christianity if they share radio programs or other media.

“In the past few years in my home country of India, I’ve seen many more ‘Dabangis,’ or law-breakers, who are protected by government officials who turn a blind eye to the violence and mistreatment of Christians here,” shared ReFrame’s Hindi Ministry leader, whose name has been omitted for his safely. “They may do it to hurt others, but ultimately it will return to harm them as well as the nation of India. It’s like scattering broken glass on the road.”

ReFrame’s partners have continued sharing programs online. They are also hosting follow-up events for people who want to know more about what they hear on the radio programs.

While police and other authority figures have primarily been siding with the anti-Christian groups, one police officer has been enthusiastically supporting Christian ministry in his own way.

Amar (whose name has been changed for his safety) is a police officer who first discovered ReFrame’s audio programs after a long shift at work.

“Every day, I face a lot of dangerous situations at work, and I grow very tense,” Amar wrote to ReFrame’s partner ministry staff. “But after my shift, I’ve been returning home and listening to your Hindi radio program every day. This fills me with peace and joy.”

After listening for several months, Amar reached out to the ministry partner.

“I really appreciate your good work and praise God for his amazing grace,” Amar said. He also asked for an in-person, follow-up event to be planned in his area.

Because of the safety and security risks, ReFrame’s partners organize these meetings very carefully, working within the legal system. Still, stories like Amar’s – as well as prayer support from Christians around the world – offer hope to ReFrame’s partners who experience new anti-conversion laws and backlash firsthand.

“As your partner in gospel ministry, I hope you’ll pray for us as well as our enemies,” added ReFrame’s Hindi ministry leader. May the good Lord inspire you to become a blessing as you uphold us in your prayers.”

This page is made possible through a partnership with CRC Ministries within Canada.