Building Faith by Bible Study in India

 From the majestic, snow-covered Himalaya Mountains in the north to the steamy shores  of the Indian Ocean to the south, India is a land of diversity, geographically  and religiously.  Of its population of over one billion, about 83 percent are Hindus, 11 percent are Muslims, and the remainder are compose primarily of nominal Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains. All enjoy freedom of worship.  "Religion plays a vital role in the Indian way of life," says The World Book Encyclopedia.

Living in accord with their Christian faith well described Jehovah's Witnesses, who number more than 21, 200 in India.  Like their spiritual companions in other parts of the world, the Witnesses in India view it as a privilege to help their neighbors build a strong faith in God's Word, the Holy Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) Consider how one family in Chennai in the south of India came to the knowledge of Bible truth.

Prior to their contact with Jehovah's Witnesses, this family was actively involved in Catholic charismatic movements, claiming to see visions, speak in tongues, and heal the sick.  They were prominent in the church and the community, people even  addressing some members of the family as  "swami," meaning "lord."  Then one day a Witness visited the family and showed them from the Bible that Jesus is the Son of God, not almighty God, as is commonly believed. The Witnesses also showed them that God's name  is Jehovah and that Jehovah's purpose  for the earth is to make it a beautiful paradise. -Psalm 83:18;  Luke 23:43; john 3:16. 

Because they respected God's Word and liked what they heard, members of this family agreed to a regular Bible study with Jehovah's Witnesses. This  brought ridicule from their church acquaintances. Nonetheless, the family remained determined  to continue their Bible study. As their knowledge increased and their faith grew stronger, they discontinued their false religious practices. Today, three members of this family are zealous, baptized Witnesses, and the mother serves as an auxiliary pioneer whenever possible.  

Next time: Building Faith by Bible Study in India-Faith to Overcome Handicaps

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000