IRC News

I recently spent a day of
worship and intercession with
many pastors from the Indian
communities in the Durban,
South Africa area. Just over
150 years ago, Indian
nationals first arrived in South
Africa as indentured servants
trying to earn a better life for
their families. Most of these
original settlers were followers
of Hinduism and to a lesser
extent Islam. Over time the

situation has changed dramatically. Once almost non-existant, Christianity is now estimated to be the
choice of anywhere between 25 to 40 percent of the Asian community in South Africa! Trina and I are also
privileged to work with communities, like the one in Durban, in the United Kingdom and Malaysia. Today their
are approximately 2.8 billion Hindus and Muslims. This is nearly forty percent of the world's population and
represents a profound harvest opportunity that the Church must not ignore. Consider 2 Timothy 1:7 which
says,

During our years in South Africa, Trina and I have seen the aggression of eastern religions toward both their
current followers and would be converts. It is important for Christians to be informed about the imperial nature
that is fundamental to Islam and the demonic oppression that is synonymous with Hinduism. Both are very
dangerous to the individuals they envelope and the nations that are influenced by these ideologies. We do
need to pray for wisdom for Western leaders to make appropriate political choices that will not allow
democratic freedoms to be compormised by the values of eastern religions. However, it is even more
important that "fear" not be allowed to dictate the Church's response to these groups. Christian's, above all
else, must be resolute in loving and ministering Christ to those lost in eastern religions. There is an
overlooked element in the discussion about the Muslim "invasions" of Europe and the United States of
America. What is largely lost in the debate is the opportunity presented by Muslims and Hindus coming to
live in free societies. It is much easier to befriend and share Christ with a Muslim/Hindu in the UK or USA
than in Saudi Arabia or rural India! It is our belief that the very strategy intended by the enemy to spread
darkness will be turned around as a resounding victory for Christ. But the people of God are called to
respond with a "sound mind" that knows its purpose to pray and see those in darkness set free. Please join
us in this burden over the coming year. Ask the Lord's direction for how you can make a difference in the life
of a Muslim or Hindu. Please pray for and support our ministry to these beautiful people.