I live in Varanasi, a city unlike any other in India. Every day, I see the endless ghats along the Ganges River filled with pilgrims, priests, and worshippers. For millions, this is the holiest city in Hinduism—more than 2.5 million devotees come here every year to seek blessing, cleansing, or salvation in the waters. Yet as I walk the riverbanks, I can’t help but feel the deep spiritual darkness that hangs heavy over my city.

India is vast and diverse, full of beauty, intellect, and history, but also broken by division—between religions, castes, the rich and the poor. In Varanasi, that brokenness is on full display. The cries of the poor mingle with the chanting of priests; the abandoned children wandering the streets remind me of India’s burden—millions with no family, no protection, no hope. Every time I see them, I remember how Jesus welcomed children and how He calls us, His church, to step into this harvest with compassion and boldness.

Despite the challenges, I believe God has a purpose for Varanasi. This city that draws seekers from across India could one day be known not only for its temples but for the presence of the living Christ. The same riverbanks that today echo with chants could one day resound with worship to Jesus. I pray for this daily, and I believe He will awaken my city.

- For Every Language and People: With over 43 languages spoken here, I pray that the Gospel will be heard clearly in every tongue—reaching every caste, tribe, and community until all know Jesus. Revelation 7:9
- For Leaders and Disciple-Makers: Pray for boldness, wisdom, and supernatural protection for those planting house churches and launching community centers to serve women, children, and the poor. James 1:5
- For the Children and Brokenhearted: Pray for the countless abandoned and vulnerable children wandering the streets of my city, that they may find homes, healing, and hope in Christ. Psalm 82:3
- For a Prayer and Spirit Movement: Ask God to birth a mighty prayer movement in Varanasi, filling the city with intercession, and for His people to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit with signs and wonders. Acts 1:8
- For Revival and God’s Purpose: Pray that the ghats of the Ganges, known for idol worship, would one day resound with worship to Jesus, and that God’s divine purpose for Varanasi would be fully resurrected. Matthew 6:10