India is the largest democracy in the world. Though over 80% of Indians are Hindus, India is a secular country with a constitution that guarantees religious freedom. Furthermore, Indians are by nature extremely tolerant people – though in recent years a few extremist politicians have tried to stir up religious and ethnic hatred.
The city of Hyderabad, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, is a good example of religious tolerance. Its rulers in pre-colonial times were Muslims. At the time of independence from the British they wanted to join Muslim Pakistan rather than remain as part of Hindu majority India. However, the desires of the predominantly Hindu populace prevailed and it remained a part of India.
Today as you drive through the city you will see Hindu temples, Muslim mosques, Catholic churches and Christian chapels all co-existing with one another. Religious banners and posters of every religion are found next to each other.
I spent much time preaching at public meetings in the cities and the villages. Banners and posters advertising our meetings were displayed at every conceivable public space available. In the cities the meetings (mostly straightforward Gospel preaching) were held in churches or in rented public halls. In the villages, they were usually held in open fields.
Prior to the meetings, 
the public was invited to attend. In the villages, we went in a procession through the village town singing hymns following a bicycle that was mounted with a loudspeaker. At busy intersections, we would stop and preach the Gospel. The sight of a foreigner preaching the Gospel (sometimes precariously perched on a makeshift platform) usually attracts a good crowd! It is amazing to see how tolerant Indians are to the mini traffic jams that we cause!!
An hour prior to the meetings, the loudspeakers at the meeting-place are turned on full blast to “attract” the crowd. In almost any other country in the world, the sheer volume will be considered a public nuisance and the sound of religious music will surely antagonize those of other religions.
Throughout the meeting the loudspeakers are turn to full volume so that the Gospel can be heard by the entire neighbourhood. This blasting can go on for 4 to 5 hours – and as far as I could see there was no visible resentment from the neighbours who are mostly non-Christians!
India is indeed incredible!
And the doors of the Gospel are still wide open.
Will you pray for India and for your part in this great land?
Read more on India at www.goducate.org
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