
I was in my final year at medical school when I decided to start following Jesus. When I told my father he was very upset. ‘Have you become a Christian now? I suppose that means you’re going to eat beef, drink whisky and live an immoral life…?’ Rajesh, a psychiatrist
What happens when a person puts their faith in Jesus? Should they change their diet or cut their hair? Do they have to go to church? Do they need to change their name? Is it wrong to continue fasting during Ramadan or to pray five times a day?
Within every culture there are some things that honour God and some that don’t. God does not ask people to reject every aspect of their past and you certainly don’t have to embrace western culture if you are following Jesus. God is not concerned with how we dress or behave as long as it is not dishonouring to him or offensive to others. In fact, many aspects of Asian culture, such as sacrificial hospitality or respect and care for the elderly, are in line with teaching from the Bible.
Similarly, elements of religious practices such as prayer and worship are often linked to particular cultural forms. Worship in Asian culture involves taking off your shoes or sitting on the floor, something which rarely, if ever, happens in Western churches. But whilst it is common to link different religious beliefs and practices with certain parts of the world, Jesus was not European but Middle Eastern and, although his first followers were Jewish, people from other cultural backgrounds quickly began to follow Him too.
South Asian Christians in the UK are a ‘minority within a minority’. Figures are difficult to come by but estimates are usually 50-70,000, although more research is needed to establish accurate numbers.
The largest number of Protestant Christians are Punjabi, from both India and Pakistan. Many are part of independent Asian Christian Fellowships who worship in Urdu/Punjabi languages using traditional music and styles. There are a few Gujarati fellowships of this kind, and an increasing number of Tamil churches. More recently the presence of newly arrived professionals from South India has meant an increase in Malayalam churches and fellowships.
There are also a few smaller language based fellowship networks, such as Marathi, Bengali and Telugu. Some people, especially those who do not live in a strongly South Asian area, may be part of local churches from the majority community, usually in twos or threes. Roman Catholic groups are mostly from Goa and more recently from Sri Lanka or South India. There are Syrian Orthodox and Mar Thoma congregations in London.
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India: About 750,000 students from India are studying abroad. Pray that many will meet Christians, hear the gospel and respond in faith. Pray that when they return to India they will share good news with families and colleagues.
About a month ago from southasianconcern's Twitter via PrayerMate.net
India, School of Biblical Teaching: Thank God that the Ezra Theology Course sessions were held on Zoom in September and November and that all the students were able to join. Pray for the participants continued spiritual growth as they study and minis..
About a month ago from southasianconcern's Twitter via PrayerMate.net
Nepal: The Covid-19 situation is scary and potentially one in three persons may have been affected. People do not go to hospital until too late because tests and medication are costly. Pray that the Lord will provide protected from the sickness. ..
About a month ago from southasianconcern's Twitter via PrayerMate.net
Christmas: Thank God for his family of believers who have different ways of sharing a ‘Happy Christmas’ with their families and neighbours. Pray that through them, God will reach across communities to make his Son known among the nations.
About a month ago from southasianconcern's Twitter via PrayerMate.net
Pakistan: Schools have reopened in Pakistan. Pray for pupils and teachers at Starfish schools as they attempt to catch up with missed lessons, and for continued protection from Covid-19.
About a month ago from southasianconcern's Twitter via PrayerMate.net
Pakistan: Pray for Anser Javed and his office team as they prepare 6 monthly reports for the authorities, including all financial details.
About a month ago from southasianconcern's Twitter via PrayerMate.net
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