New laws signed in India during the last months of 2020 have tightened the already restrictive Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and anti-conversion laws. The amendments to the FCRA give more control to the government over non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like The Tide®.
The Freedom of Religion Bill, 2020, recently signed in Madhya Pradesh as well as two other Indian States, requires a 60-day prior “declaration of the intention to convert.” In Uttar Pradesh, a similar law requires a magistrate to conduct an inquiry into the reason for converting.
Though the FCRA and the Freedom of Religion Bill have tightened restrictions, and COVID-19 still threatens the health of people everywhere, The Tide broadcasts are continuing their life-altering mission through radio programs in India. The ministry is working to spread Christ’s hope and wisdom to believers as well as those who may be far from Christ or not yet introduced to His love and grace, broadcasting 12 different programs in 11 distinct languages across the region of India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
“It is undoubtedly a very frightening and apprehensive time in India,” said The Tide Director Don Shenk, “but we know our ministry partners are reaching out to the people of India with the hope of Jesus, a caring word, encouraging prayers and the peace only Christ can bring.”
As a way to follow up with listeners who respond to the programs throughout India, The Tidedistributes literature and Bible study courses to help them develop a lasting relationship with the Lord. A listener named Jokhiya wrote to say, “I am thankful to you for sending me your literature ‘The Great Gift.’ Every week I heard your radio program. The radio messages (word of God) shared by you in a simple way helped me to understand Jesus Christ. I have become interested to listen to this program again, therefore help me further.”
In partnership with native missionaries, The Tide ministry has been instrumental in bringing many around the world, including those in India, into a relationship with Jesus Christ and establishing healthy, growing indigenous churches.
