day 9: Uttar Pradesh, India
“I will make you a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6)
Uttar Pradesh (UP), located in northern India, is the most populous state in the country.With over 240 million people, it would be the fifth-largest nation in the world if it were a country. This large population is largely rural, with people spread unevenly over the province. Sixty million, or about a quarter, live in 13 of the 72 districts (each with populations of between 4 and 5 million).
The remaining districts have populations of about 1 and 2 million each: rural villages and farming towns. Uttar Pradesh is estimated to be about 22% urban.
Uttar Pradesh is also important to Buddhism and Islam. There are many Buddhist pilgrimage sites and important mosques that draw Muslim pilgrims as well.
Christianity has a long history in Uttar Pradesh. It probably first entered Uttar Pradesh in the 1500s through the Mughal Empire, a Persian-based empire ruled by descendants of Genghis Khan. The Emperor Akbar invited Jesuits from Goa to the region. Protestant work in the region probably started with the Church Mission Society in the early 1800s, centered around Agra. Other groups, like the Methodists, entered in the mid-1800s. Uttar Pradesh is now the home of several rapidly growing church planting movements, and most of the province’s districts are engaged.
“Today, there are over 1.8 million baptized disciples of Jesus from Hindu
backgrounds …”
A Story From the Field
This report came in recently from our work there: A powerful movement of God is unfolding in Uttar Pradesh. Today, there are over 1.8 million baptized disciples of Jesus from Hindu backgrounds, and more than half of the state’s districts now have at least one house church. In a recent gathering, local leaders came together to fast and pray for a vision to see the entire state reached with the gospel.
A remarkable work is also happening among the Banjara caste (Untouchable caste)—a historically nomadic and marginalized community. Many Banjara families live in remote roadside and forest areas across three central districts. Local leaders have been seeking out the unreached, sharing the Good News, and conducting Discovery Bible Studies in their heart language.
Two field leaders, Brother *Brij and Brother *Adil, recently visited some of these hard-to-reach areas. To their joy, they discovered that many Banjaras are already following Jesus and living as obedient disciples. In these desolate places, disciples are making disciples, and the Kingdom is expanding.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest living cities and the holiest city in Hinduism—believed to have been founded by Lord Shiva.
- Uttar Pradesh has more people than Brazil—making it one of the most strategic mission fields on earth.
- The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
- Cities like Varanasi and Ayodhya are some of the holiest sites in Hinduism, deeply influencing the religious identity of the region.
- Religious nationalism has been rising, leading to increased hostility toward Christians and Muslims. Sharing the gospel or converting from Hinduism can result in social exclusion, threats, or violence, especially in rural areas.
HOW TO PRAY
- Over 400 unreached people groups live in Uttar Pradesh. Ask God to tear down spiritual strongholds and draw hearts to Himself in miraculous ways.
- Believers here often face harassment, violence, and false accusations. Pray for courage, protection, and a spirit of forgiveness to shine the light of Jesus.
- Pray for the many house churches that are forming. Pray for strong discipleship, trained leaders, and rapid multiplication of faithful followers of Jesus.
- The young people in UP are becoming increasingly exposed to social media and global ideas. Pray they would hunger for truth and encounter Jesus in personal and powerful ways.
- Pray for local believers and missionaries to have discernment, boldness, and opportunities to share the gospel despite opposition and persecution.