Easter is such a critical time for the church. Not only do we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus for our sins, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to share our faith with the world around us. In India, the season of Lent begins a 40-day period of significant prayer and fasting, during which many lift the needs of their neighbors, friends, and the world before the throne of grace. Each morning, groups of men and women come to churches throughout the region to pray and hear the word proclaimed. Lent is a serious time for your brothers and sisters, too. They pray for you and lift you in prayer as well. Each year during this season, many are convinced that Jesus is Lord and make a significant decision for themselves that will have profound implications here on earth and in eternity. This is especially important to note because once a Hindu chooses to profess faith in God and God alone through Jesus, his son, they take all other idols out of home and heart. This can lead to shunning, persecution, and even death, especially when their statement of faith is followed by entering into the waters of baptism. A decision to follow Jesus is never taken lightly. This year, we have the profound joy of announcing that at least 21 new brothers and sisters have joined the family! On Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, the services of your partners at the churches in Rajahmundry and Visakhapatnam, India, served not only as a call to the world that Jesus Christ is King but also marked that fact with baptisms. Hallelujah! Praise God! Please keep your partners in India in prayer as they continue to serve the Lord with unwavering dedication and perseverance. They are witnessing lives being transformed daily through the power of prayer and the Holy Spirit. Despite the high levels of persecution in the country, their spirit remains unquenched, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for us all. By Scott Soden Global Partners Coordinator

On August 25th, the Brethren Church in Rajahmundry, in connection with local partners, held a youth gathering called “arise and Awaken.” Young men and women from all over came to the church compound to engage in worship, praise, prayer, and messages that challenged and encouraged them. Nirmala and Sudhir report that out of 1500 – 1600 who attended, over 700 made first-time commitments to follow Jesus! What a fantastic harvest in the field, what a reason to praise our Father in heaven! Nirmala writes, “Thank you so much for the much-needed prayers. I praise God for these 700 young lives that were strengthened with the power of the Holy Spirit and have come to Christ’s fold during the youth spiritual awakening program.” Please continue to lift in prayer the Brethren in India and the lives of these young men and women as they begin their discipleship journey. Scott Soden Coordinator; Brethren Global Partners