Making Waves

May 25, 2026

When you think about waves, what comes to mind? Is it the image of a sun-kissed beach and ocean air? Is it relaxing with friends and enjoying time away from responsibilities? For many, waves symbolize fun in the sun and freedom.

But right now there is a different kind of wave spreading over South Asia. It is a wave of anti-Christian sentiment.  Earlier this year, Nepal passed a series of laws prohibiting the spread of the Gospel. You can read about that here. A number of states in India are riding the wave and doing the same. Chhattisgarh is one of the latest to pass a Freedom of Religion bill. It imposes harsh penalties for alleged forced or fraudulent conversion of local people to Christianity.  

Ironically, what is called a freedom of religion bill is, in essence, a restriction of religion. It aims to stifle the spread of the Gospel. But we know that Jesus Christ gives to all who follow Him as Lord and Savior the ultimate freedom.

It is freedom from sin and the eternal consequences of it. This wave of freedom of religion bills in South Asia does the exact opposite of what it proposes to do. Instead of freeing people from religion, it keeps them in bondage to appeasing non-existent gods. It also keeps them separated from the one true God and it keeps them slaves to their sin.

Thankfully, there are other waves in South Asia, ones that are spreading a message of hope. They are radio waves. In a vacuum, these electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light and theoretically can go on forever. Interference causes them to weaken and spread out as they cover a greater distance. The Tide ministry remains committed to filling the air with these waves carrying a message that will not weaken but will continue to reach hearts and souls with the life-changing power of Jesus. Broadcast in the heart language of local people, these waves carry the message that a relationship with Jesus is the only path to true freedom. They announce that whoever Jesus sets free is free indeed (John 8:36).

Another type of wave that comes to mind is sound waves. Sound waves are energy transmitted through matter because of vibrations. Think about the occasions in the Bible when the ram’s horn, also known as a shofar, would be blown. Blowing the shofar had multiple purposes. One purpose was to call God’s people to pay attention. Another purpose was to call them to battle. News reports and stories of the isolation, intimidation and persecution stemming from the anti-Christian sentiment and “freedom of religion” laws are loud trumpet blasts calling the body of Christ to pay attention and to do battle on behalf of believers in India and worldwide. The call is not to pick up arms but to drop to our knees in prayer. Our battle, as Paul tells us, is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12). It is a spiritual battle against darkness.

The Tide is steadfast in its calling to make Christ known among the people of India. Thanks to faithful supporters, heart-language programs and on-the-ground partnerships continue to bring hope and truth to those hungering for spiritual freedom amid increasing restrictions. Below are 30 prayer focuses, one for each day in June. They are the 28 states of India, the nation, and South Asia. We invite you to partner with us to create a wave that is more powerful than the wave of “freedom of religion” laws. It is a wave of prayer and support.