I was born here in Ahmedabad, in eastern Gujarat—a city of contrasts, alive with color, sound, and spirit. Our streets pulse with the rhythm of life: the ringing of temple bells, the call to prayer from nearby mosques, and the quiet devotion of those who come to the Jain shrines. Faith is everywhere here—woven into every street and story.

I still remember the earthquake of 2001, when the ground shook and thousands lost their lives. Even in tragedy, our city stood firm, held up by its resilience and the will of its people to rebuild. That same resilience lives on today, but so do our divisions—caste, religion, and class still shape our society. India is vast and beautiful, but also burdened. We are a people of deep heritage and creativity, yet millions remain unseen, unheard, and unloved.

Wat mijn hart het meest breekt zijn de kinderen—millions of orphans who wander the streets and sleep under the open sky. Sometimes I see them at the train station, eyes distant, too young to carry such pain. I think of how Jesus welcomed children, saying the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these. What if His followers here truly lived out that call? What if every child in Ahmedabad knew they were seen, loved, and chosen by God?

In the midst of the noise, chaos, and diversity, I sense that God is in beweging. The Church here is small, but it is stirring. I believe He has placed us here for such a time as this—to love boldly, to serve humbly, and to speak the name of Jezuswith both compassion and courage. The harvest is great, and even in a city that doesn’t yet know His name, His light is beginning to break through.

• Bid voor the millions of orphans and vulnerable children in India to experience God’s love and care through His people. (Jakobus 1:27)

• Bid voor the Church in Gujarat to rise with unity, boldness, and compassion in sharing the Gospel. (Romeinen 10:14-15)

• Bid voor peace and reconciliation among castes, religions, and communities long divided by history. (Efeziërs 2:14-16)

• Bid voor the Spirit of God to soften hearts in Ahmedabad and draw many to Jesus through acts of love and truth. (Ezechiël 36:26)

• Bid voor a generation of believers who will see the children, the poor, and the forgotten as Jesus does — and bring His hope to every corner of the city. (Mattheüs 19:14)