By: Dr. Mojmir Kallus, Vice President for International Affairs

India is a vast subcontinent and the most populous country in the world, with almost 1.5 billion people, having recently surpassed China. It consists of 28 states and is immensely varied in terms of landscape, climate, culture or languages. There are 22 official languages and hundreds of local dialects. Even though Christians make up only 2.3 percent of the population, we are still talking about almost 35 million believers! 

So, how can the ICEJ possibly reach such a vast world? It takes a leader with foresight, strategy and consistency. Nothing is impossible with God. As we all know, the Lord is using His servants who have been equipped for the work of the ministry. In the case of India, it is our dear Bishop Meka Padma Rao, also known as Brother Danny. He started the ICEJ branch in India more than ten years ago with nothing in his hands but an official letter from the Jerusalem head office. 

Today, he oversees a nationwide network of 120 volunteers and has established representatives in almost every federal state. I have been visiting India every year since I started in my position as Vice President for International Affairs, except for the time of the Covid shutdowns, and I have witnessed great progress and growth. There is now an officially registered legal entity able to cover all local expenses. They also operate their own website. There is rising interest among Indian believers to attend our annual Feast of Tabernacles gathering in Jerusalem. Most importantly, I have met a growing number of carefully selected leaders who have embraced the vision and calling of the Christian Embassy. 

I made my latest visit to India in May with two objectives in mind: to strengthen the already well-established groups, and to break new ground. The teams in Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore are the most developed. They have been praying for Israel, giving to Israel, and eagerly received current information from the Land, especially on the war front. 

In a visit to the northeastern state of Nagaland, we broke new ground. I was surprised to learn that Nagaland is an overwhelmingly Christian state, a fruit of American missionaries who came in the late 18^th century and turned the headhunting tribes into devout Christians. One can see churches and crosses everywhere. It was heartwarming, on a Sunday morning, to see scores of people in their best clothes, clutching Bibles in their hands, and heading for services in a local sanctuary. 

I also witnessed the fruit of our online prayer initiatives. We were accompanied by Simon Paul and his wife Sarah, who serve as ICEJ national prayer coordinators for India. Simon has been passionately inviting people to our daily Global Prayer Gathering and monthly Rosh Chodesh prayer chain. The visit to Nagaland opened new opportunities for ICEJ in northeast India.  

The situation in India differs from state to state. In some areas, Christians suffer persecution. It is important to continue to pray for this great nation.