Rohan* was born and raised in a Christian family in South Asia. He has a Master’s in microbiology and built an 11-year career in the biotech sector before transitioning to theology, completing a Master’s of Divinity in New Testament studies in 2014. Following graduation, he served as a church planter and Associate Pastor with a local church while also working as Personal Assistant to the International Director of Langham Preaching. He is now the Operations Manager for Langham in Asia and the South Pacific, supporting the regional preaching director and actively involved in training preachers and facilitators. Additionally, he serves as the pastor of a church plant in South Asia.
Challenges facing Christians and the Church in South Asia
South Asia faces numerous social, cultural, and religious challenges, particularly for Christians and the Church, who often endure persecution. Rohan shares, “South Asia is a nation of profound pluralism, where every faith has the constitutional right to be heard and to flourish. However, there is growing animosity towards minority faiths, fueled by a resurgent movement to reclaim ancient cultural roots. The legacy of British colonialism also continues to impact the practice and proclamation of the Gospel. Consequently, although constitutional freedom of religion is guaranteed, it is often curtailed in some states. Christians and the church face persecution frequently at the hands of religious fundamentalists. Socially, despite being one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, the nation struggles with widespread poverty and a stark divide between the rich and the poor. Pervasive issues like child labour, bonded labour, human trafficking, and female infanticide remain pressing challenges. Furthermore, there has been a surge in violence perpetrated by religious and moral vigilantes.”
Speaking and sharing Truth in the challenges
Rohan’s role covers many countries and requires significant logistics and adaptive strategies, but despite the challenges, Rohan remains faithful and encouraged by his brothers and sisters in Christ. He explains, “Managing a vast and diverse region like Asia and the South Pacific presents significant challenges. Communication in remote island areas is often slow and unreliable. In several countries within our region, there is a tangible risk of imprisonment and persecution for our partners, requiring us to adopt unconventional and secure methods of operation. The training process itself can be slow; for some, reaching a training centre involves a journey of up to three days, and delivering essential resources like books and materials for facilitators to reach these locations poses a major logistical hurdle. Furthermore, we face the ongoing challenge of exceptionally high demand for training, which consistently outstrips the available number of qualified facilitators. We are continuously developing strategies to better resource and equip our national movements while also adapting to complex socio-economic and political shifts.”
“In this era of rapid change, we cannot assume that last year’s strategies will remain effective. Yet, our commission is unchanged: Langham Preaching exists to build the church by training pastors. We pray for the Lord’s provision of resources and for Him to open doors, allowing this vital work to continue. I see clear parallels to the first-century church in our Langham work. There is a profound thirst for God’s Word, and churches demonstrate boldness in upholding biblical preaching despite significant challenges. This faithful proclamation is leading people to Christ while simultaneously confronting false teachings. These realities deeply encourage me. They strengthen my resolve in both my local pastoral ministry and my work with Langham to persevere, trusting firmly in the promises of Christ.”
Support and empowerment
Langham has opened doors and supported Rohan not only in his role but in his ministry work as well. He shares, “My role with Langham has enabled me to serve God’s mission globally, connecting me with exemplary men and women in the evangelical world. The organisation has consistently empowered me by recognising my strengths and investing in my capabilities. Although I dedicate three working days per week to Langham, they have always supported my parallel commitment to pastoring a local church. This balance enriches my understanding of diverse contexts and challenges, directly informing my preaching and teaching locally.”
*Name changed for security
Pray with us
- Thank God for Rohan and his work with Langham and his passion to teach the Bible faithfully, especially in a country where Christians are often persecuted.
- Please pray for the team’s capacity to serve the vast and diverse Asia and South Pacific region with wisdom and effectiveness.
- Pray for wisdom in programs being developed to disciple a new generation of preachers. Pray for the initiatives and for young leaders to respond to the call.
- Pray for protection and courage for believers in nations where training involves significant personal risk.
- Pray for the growth of locally-raised support and for the development of strong, local facilitators to ensure the long-term health of the movement.