This week, were praying for all the countries where we work in South Asia: that’s Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. India especially has seen a rise in religious intolerance since Prime Minister Narendra Modi was elected almost two years ago. Since Mr Modi and his party, the BJP, came to power in May 2014, there’s been a noticeable rise in hostility towards religious minorities across the country. Over 600 cases of violence against religious minorities between May 2014 and May 2015 resulted in an estimated 43 deaths; the majority of attacks were against Muslims, but almost 200 Christians were targeted.

It’s not just India, either. In April 2015 a 13-year-old boy named Noman Masih was set on fire in Pakistan after identifying himself as a Christian. He died of his injuries. As you can see, there’s a lot that needs praying for, so please join us this week in praying for South Asia.

This week, please pray:

• That as India grows in prominence on the world stage (their Prime Minister visited the UK last year) they would be compelled to improve the human rights situation;
• That Christians and Muslims would be able to live peacefully alongside Hindus in India;
• That God would keep Christians in India safe in the face of growing Hindu nationalism;
• For justice for the victims of the 2008 violence in Kandhamal, Odisha State;
• For safety for those accused of blasphemy in South Asia, as these accusations can often lead to violence;
• For Christians in Pakistan who often face violence and intimidation;
• For wisdom for Nepal as it works out its new constitution, which includes a worrying anti-conversion clause.