An Update on Christians in India during COVID-19

The pandemic continues to tear through India. Sabita*, an Open Doors local partner, shared about how it is affecting Christians.

The COVID situation is really bad in India, especially during this second wave of Corona. Every day more than 300,000 people are being infected. Many deaths are happening. This is the official data, but according to the experts the real number is 10 times higher.

In the first wave in 2020 when Corona hit India, India was more drastically impacted in its economy. But during the second wave, this is more life threatening. More people are dying, more people are affected because of this.

During 2020, the economy went down. It has affected the Christians because they are among those who are in the poorest areas, they come from poor backgrounds and have less privileges and less job opportunities. Already they were financially low, and when this second wave has hit India, these people don’t have enough to meet their medical needs. There is a lack of ventilators, oxygen cylinders and other medical facilities in the hospitals. For those who come from poor backgrounds, it’s a very difficult situation, and especially for Christians because they were already struggling financially.

It is reported that the virus is now spreading in the villages and the rural areas more rapidly. There the medical facilities are almost negligible, and those who are Christian come from these areas mostly. They are concentrated in the rural areas where the medical facilities are very minimal. Christians in rural areas are suffering because they are financially struggling and they have no proper medical equipment in the hospitals. The Christians do not have enough money to get all the medicines and all the medical help that they should be getting.

Pray for the COVID situation in India. Pray for God’s mercy and healing on our land. Pray that, among all these challenges, we will be able to reach the persecuted Christians who really need the help and relief, like food, medicines and medical equipment. Pray also that we will reach those are really struggling financially and need our help so that they become self-sufficient and self-sustaining.

I want to thank all of you, those who have been praying for India, supporting India, thank you so much for all your help. Though there is persecution, the church is growing beyond its four walls. In spite of all the challenges, the church is not destroyed, the church is not confined, but it is growing beyond number. Many people are experiencing deliverance, they are receiving healings and coming to the Lord, and this is all happening just because of your prayers. The people who are persecuted are standing strong because of your prayers and support. Thank you so much. Continue to pray for us, continue to give us your support. Thank you.