Truth Seekers Can Still Receive the Gospel Despite New Laws in India

HARRISBURG, Pa.—The Indian government recently added new restrictions to existing anti-conversion laws and legislation surrounding non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating throughout the country. Though these laws were designed to discourage Christian ministries likeThe Tide®(www.TheTide.org) ministry, which broadcasts the Gospel message in local languages around the world, the message of God’s love will not be stopped.
Amendments to the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act (FCRA) now restrict the transfer of money between NGOs, which negatively affects possible collaboration. It also restricts administrative expenses to 20 percent of contributions. This means some NGOs may no longer be able to pay employees.
Additions to theFreedom of Religion Bill, 2020, a law regulating religious conversions, recently signed in Madhya Pradesh as well as two other Indian States, require a 60-day prior “declaration of the intention to convert.” The bill is presented as an action against forceful conversions, but the new ordinances make it difficult for new Christians to fully embrace and practice their faith.
“Impacting the heart through Gospel radio programming is a wonderful privilege,” said The Tide Director Don Shenk. “It is edifying to see the Great Commission carried out against all odds. The Lord has continued to be faithful month after month, and we’re excited to see how He blesses our listeners in the next year.”
As a way to follow up with listeners who contact the programs throughout India, The Tideministry distributes literature and Bible study courses to help them develop a lasting relationship with the Lord. A listener named Gopal wrote to say, “When I listened to your program, I was blessed. My family members have also been listening, and we are interested in learning more about Jesus Christ. Would you please send us some literature so we can know more?”
Though the FCRA and the Freedom of Religion Bill have tightened restrictions, and COVID-19 still threatens the health of people everywhere, the 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 different languages across the region of India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
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.
For nearly 75 years, The Tide ministry has recorded and broadcast gospel programming which now extends into multiple regions on three continents with content in 30 heart languages spoken by millions of people in various countries, including Afghanistan, Albania, Bhutan, India, Kosovo, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, and Zimbabwe. With more than 7,000 languages spoken worldwide and more than 2,000 people groups yet unreached with the Good News of Jesus, the opportunities are tremendous.
For more information about The Tide broadcast projects, history, radio programs around the world, special yearlong campaigns, the weekly Global Update radio features or other news, visit its website at www.thetide.org or its Facebook page. Read more about The Tide ministry and Director Don Shenk here.
The Tide ministry is actively looking for godly men who are manly enough to take up the 2021 Year Beard® challenge. Visit www.YearBeard.org for background and to meet some of the participants who are growing out their facial hair to raise awareness and financial support to help The Tide ministry reach an additional 1 million people with the name of Jesus next year.
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To schedule interviews with Don Shenk, director ofThe Tideglobal radio ministry, contactMedia@HamiltonStrategies.com, Marjorie Pratt, 610.584.1096, ext. 107, or Deborah Hamilton, ext. 102.