With more than 2 billion people, South Asia holds almost one quarter of the world’s entire population. These countries are generally governed by their primary religious beliefs – Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism. 

These religious beliefs have been an integral part of this region for thousands of years. During this time, many ethnic groups and sub-groups have formed, creating an incredibly culturally diverse part of the world. 

The majority of people groups in South Asia are almost entirely unreached by the gospel, with some countries having less than 0.5 percent of their population officially classified as ‘Christian’. 

Sharing the gospel in these countries is extremely challenging and often life-threatening. 

This is why for thousands of years missionaries and evangelists have struggled to make a difference in Asian countries. However, this does not mean that no difference has been made. 

CV currently has 214 pioneers working to share the gospel in South Asia. One of these pioneers recently sent through an impactful story from their time with an impoverished people group in a hard-to-reach* country. 

This testimony came from a young woman whose life was tangibly changed through God’s grace.

When Wangmo** was just seven years old, she unexpectedly lost her fathers love and care when he abandoned her family in a poverty-stricken country in South Asia. 

As time went on, she also lost hope in her mother’s ability to look after her. Her mother could not provide her or her four siblings with a good education and other necessities due to their poor living conditions. 

By the age of 12, she began working as a maid in hospitals and hotels to bring home enough money to provide for her family’s many needs. 

She was often deeply humiliated by her friends because of her appearance and couldn’t remember what it was like to feel true joy.

Eventually, Wangmo married, however even this relationship did not provide her with the love she longed for.

Just two years into the marriage, her husband left her because she had been unable to conceive a child. 

Wangmo lost all hope and no longer believed in any form of love. She felt she could trust no one, and thought she was going to be alone forever. 

This is when she came across a CV advertisement on Facebook. The ad showcased a gospel video, and it prompted the viewer to find out more. Wangmo chose to respond and began a conversation with a CV team member. 

She was abusive and hostile in this conversation, but the patience and empathy shown by the CV responder made her question her actions. 

She couldn’t help but notice that these responses were different to what she expected and what she had experienced in the past. This softened her heart, and she began to willingly listen to what the CV team member had to say. 

They explained the unconditional love of God, and the hope that can be found in Jesus. Once she understood this, she accepted Jesus into her life and found solace in her new identity as a child of God. She knew from that moment that she was never truly alone. She had a father in heaven that cared for her, and loved her more than any person ever could. 

Wangmo was connected with a local CV pioneer who visited her at her home. She introduced the pioneer to her family and many others in her community, which created new opportunities for gospel conversations. 

They are now working to start a Christian fellowship group in Wangmo’s home, where people in her community can learn about Jesus and worship him in an area that is almost entirely unreached by the gospel.  

*Country concealed for security reasons. 

**Name has been changed.