day 10: Madhya Pradesh, India

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations.”– (Matthew 24:14)

Madhya Pradesh—meaning “Central Province”—is located in the heart of India. It’s the second-largest state and a land of vast plateaus, thick forests, and the sacred Narmada River. It accounts for nearly 10% of India’s total forest cover, home to rich biodiversity and tribal life.

Though rich in natural resources and heritage, Madhya Pradesh remains one of India’s least-developed states, with crime, poverty and illiteracy continuing to hinder progress—especially in rural areas.

The deeply rooted Hindu culture in Madhya Pradesh presents a significant challenge to the spread of the gospel. In districts like Anuppur, Betul, Katni, Panna, Rewa, Shahdol, Sidhi, Singrauli, Tikamgarh, and Umaria, Hindus make up more than 95% of the population. The strong presence of temples, religious festivals, pilgrimages, and holy days reinforces the centrality of Hinduism in daily life.

This cultural dominance is further strengthened by strict anti-conversion laws, which create fear and legal risk for those considering faith in Jesus. Between 2010 and 2015, there were numerous reports of churches being burned, pastors being attacked, and false charges leading to arrests—all aimed at silencing the Christian witness.

The presence of mainstream Christianity declined from 0.9% in 1981 to 0.3% in 1991, given the many challenges mentioned above. There are, however, encouraging signs of growth at the grassroots level. 

Before coming to faith in Jesus, *Devika’s heart was burdened with pain and fear for her young son, *Dalip. As a child, he suffered a fractured hand, which required hospitalization. Not long after, he began to show signs of mental distress, and his condition worsened over time. 

Desperate and anxious, Devika searched for hope but found none—until one day, everything changed.

A Jesus Film screening was being held in her village, and Devika decided to attend. There, she heard a message of peace and hope: “Cast all your worries upon the Lord, for He cares for you.” The film portrayed Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount teaching and featured scenes of Jesus healing the sick and setting people free from evil spirits.  Devika was deeply moved by what she saw.

After the screening, a group of disciples visited with Devika. They shared more about Jesus, about His call to make disciples, and how to walk in obedience to His Word. That encounter marked the beginning of a powerful transformation in Devika’s life. She put her trust in Jesus and began to follow Him.

Together with other believers, Devika began praying earnestly for Dalip. She prayed that he would be healed in Jesus’ name. Miraculously, Dalip was physically healed!  Her faith grew, and the family continued in fellowship, growing stronger in their walk with God. Over time, Dalip experienced mental healing as well. 

Soon after Dalip’s healing the whole family was baptized. Their story of despair and hopelessness is now a testimony of God’s healing power and his redeeming love.