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CHECKED AND CONFIRMED:

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--ONE MILLION HINDU DALITS MAY HEAR THE GOSPEL ON NOVEMBER 4, 2001 -----POSSIBLE INFLUENCE ON THE OTHER 300 MILLION

By Carolyn Blunk for THE ELIJAH LIST

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[Note from Steve Shultz: I commissioned this article to be researched and written. You can be assured of its accuracy. My thanks to Carolyn Blunk for her good work]

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(Albany, Oregon)-- In a stunning turn of events, approximately 1 million Hindu Dalits will have the opportunity to hear a presentation of the Gospel on November 4, 2001 in Delhi, India during a mass conversion ceremony from Hinduism to Buddhism.

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TRAPPED IN A CASTE SYSTEM AND TIRED OF IT

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For centuries, India's Dalits, who were formerly known as the "untouchable" caste and whose population numbers 300 million, have lived in a cycle of bondage and despair. Trapped in the Hindu caste system, the Dalits have experienced incredible poverty and abuse. In recent years, however, a new generation of Dalits have arisen, sounding a call for freedom, dignity, and a better way of life. More than 4 million Dalits have become part of the educated middle-class and have gained influence through government positions.

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BUDDHISTS SEEKING TO CONVERT THEM

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With a vision to liberate their people from the restrictions of the caste system, a new breed of Dalit intellectuals have launched a nationwide movement to abandon Hinduism and seek a religious tradition that offers freedom, dignity, and a better way of life. Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the first Dalit leader who fought to abolish the caste system, is a Buddhist and has mobilized the Dalit community to embrace Buddhism. Another influential leader, Ram Raj has also turned to Buddhism.

"Dalit leaders are very positive about embracing Buddhism," explains Rodrick Gilbert, a Christian leader in India who is working closely with the president of the Dalit Movement. "More than 900,000 forms have been signed for the conversion ceremony to Buddhism."

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FALSE INFORMATION BY CHRISTIANS IS HURTING THE CAUSE AND HURTING TRUST WITH DALIT LEADERS

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"They are not converting to Christianity, as some reports claim," says Gilbert.

"We are concerned about the misinformation which is damaging our trust with Dalit leaders," adds Mr. Gilbert. "Please help us communicate the correct information. We are concerned that people are propagating information that does not exist. Some Christians have not understood the whole story and have spread false information which is hurting our mobilization efforts. A lot of exaggeration about the event has damaged our efforts to build trust with the Dalit leaders."

With a spirit of Christ like integrity, gentleness, and humility, Mr. Gilbert and others have been able to establish significant relationships within the Dalit community. As a result, Christian leaders have been invited to express a measure of solidarity with the Dalit leaders.

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NOVEMBER 4, AN OPPORTUNITY TO STAND WITH THE DALITS AND SHARE THE GOSPEL

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"On November 4, we have the privilege to stand as Christians with the Dalits," says Mr. Gilbert. "We believe the Dalits were not born into the caste system because of their past sins. They were created in the image of God. As Christians, we believe that every human being is equal by birth and has the same human rights."

Seeking to serve the Dalit leaders, Christians in India are praying, fasting, and organizing various logistics for the huge event. Christian leaders will be allowed to share the Gospel before and after the mass conversion event, distribute literature at various exit points, and initiate contact with the Dalits for a later follow-up. More than 2,500 pastors and leaders and 5,000 local Dalit Christians will be on site to provide food, facilities, and pray for those seeking to know more about Jesus Christ. Remarkably, those Dalits who want to embrace Christianity will be allowed by Dalit leaders to do so.

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THE CHURCH'S HOUR IN INDIA

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"This is the hour for the Church in India to rid ourselves of the caste system," said Dr. Joseph DSouza, president of the All India Christian Council, the largest evangelical network in Asia. "This will mean a firm resolve to work for the economic and educational development of the Dalits, for whom Jesus died."

Will you join with Christians around the world on November 4 and pray for this unprecedented opportunity to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

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CRUCIAL PRAYER POINTS FOR THE SHARING OF THE GOSPEL ON NOVEMBER 4

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… Pray for a mighty move of God among the Dalits on November 4 in Delhi. Pray for those who are sharing the Gospel, distributing literature, and praying for people. May the have a power encounter with the Living God.

… Pray for the Church in India, for peace, protection and God's continual guidance. Pray for unity (John 17:20-23) and for expressions of love (John 13:35). Pray for their ability to discern the tactics of Satan in trying to cause disunity, division, fear. Pray for a new sense of empowerment and boldness by the Holy Spirit to lead and disciple all who Jesus draws to Himself. Pray for the ability to welcome and integrate new believers into their churches.

… Pray that many Dalit intellectuals and leaders will experience the love of their heavenly Father and come to know Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life. Ask God to remove the veil that blinds their eyes and those of the millions of people they represent. Pray that they will be released from strongholds of the Hindu belief system and of false thinking about their value to God and to mankind. Ask God to open their spiritual eyes to the understanding of Jesus Christ, who died for their freedom and salvation.

All India Christian Council: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/christiancouncil