1. India is the world's largest democracy and most populous nation. Political, economic, and social challenges all place heavy burdens on the government. Pray that India will choose to build on the progress of recent decades, especially to preserve and protect human dignity, rights, and freedoms.

2. The caste system remains a major issue. The Church has an opportunity to show that the love of Christ extends to all people, regardless of caste, race, language, gender, and economic status. Pray for Christians to remove all caste discrimination from the Church, where it sadly does exist.

3. Amidst all the suffering in India, it is women and children who suffer the most. Sobering figures: 400 million children, up to 35 million orphans, 11 million abandoned (90% are girls), 3 million street kids, 2/3 of children suffer physical abuse, 1/2 suffer some kind of sexual harassment/abuse, 1 million+ end up in prostitution (mostly Nepalis & Bangladeshis). Women have lower rates of literacy and education, and domestic abuse is a widespread problem. Some girls get dedicated to the ancient service of Hindu temple prostitution. Pray for India's attitudes and practices to change to reflect God's care for women & children.

4. India has more unreached individuals than any other nation (more than 500 million). Pray that the Church worldwide might rise to this task!

5. Odisha state has more intense persecution of Christians than anywhere else in India. In many districts, Christians must either reconvert to Hinduism, leave their village, or face death. Pray that churches might grow in unity and in their ability to withstand persecution.