The Mission

Week 42, 2026

HINDUISM

Hinduism is an umbrella term for a number of traditions practiced among Hindus across the world and is a very complex phenomenon. Rooted in the Indian sub-continent, it embraces everything from high philosophy to forms of devotion. It is more like a library of faiths than a single faith, and Hindus are proud of Hinduism’s contradictions, its flexibility and resilience.

The exclusive truth-claims of monotheistic faiths such as Christianity and Islam are as alien to Hindus as the Hindu worldview is hard to understand for Christians. Some strains of Hindu nationalism have become militant and intolerant of Christians and Muslims in its heartlands of India and Nepal. India is one of the world’s ten worst persecutors of Christians, according to the agency Open Doors.

The Hindu world is home to the largest number and biggest variety of peoples on earth who are yet to enjoy the Christian faith. While the gospel has been received eagerly by some among the poor and marginalized, it has not reached the masses.

The Christian faith needs to appear in new cultural forms to appeal to Hindu values and ways of thinking. Indian Christians and others are attempting this work and already millions of people do follow Jesus in a Hindu context, outside of Christian denominational structures.

• Pray for our world’s over one billion Hindu friends.

• Pray for greater awareness, sensitivity, listening and learning among Christians about the complexity of Hinduism which is necessary for meaningful engagement and living with our Hindu neighbors.

• Pray for a powerful work of the Holy Spirit to bring light and spiritual fulfillment to the Hindu world!

SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia, home to 34 million people, is the birthplace of Islam. Muslims pray facing Mecca, Islam’s capital city. Over two million people make pilgrimage there every year. From Mecca, Islam holds influence over the world’s Muslims and dominates many of the world’s cultures.

According to the agency Open Doors, the millions of ‘Migrant Christians (from India, Philippines and Africa) who meet for worship or share their faith with Muslims may experience detention and deportation. Saudi believers from a Muslim background face even more pressure, including death threats … Nevertheless, their numbers are growing and some are sharing their faith publicly, despite the serious consequences.’

Saudi Arabia may be on the verge of upheaval. Energetic new leadership is seeking to transform the nation socially and economically. Signs of social liberalization include opening cinemas and allowing women to drive. Politically, though, the Saudi government remains harsh and repressive. Torture and the death penalty are common.

• Pray that many who turn to Mecca seeking God might meet the living Christ.

• Pray that the knowledge of Jesus may spread and Saudi Arabia be transformed for good.

SENEGAL

This West African nation of nearly 17 million people is more than 90% Muslim, but it enjoys religious freedom, tolerates many faiths, and has seen the peaceful transfer of power through free elections. Few of the Muslim majority have ever come to Christ.

Senegal is still a young country – 43% were aged 14 or less in 2019. One of the least reached and most needy groups is the Talibé, boys from a background of poverty who are taught to memorize the Qur’an and sent out to beg for money in the streets by their teachers.

• Pray for the day to come when many Senegalese turn to Christ.

• Pray for Christian youth movements to have an effective ministry in Senegal