The 10/40 Window = a term used to describe those regions of the eastern hemisphere located between 10 and 40 degrees north of the equator. This general area was named the 10/40 Window in 1990 by Luis Bush, because it represented the highest level of socioeconomic challenges and least access to the gospel on the planet. This band of countries include Northern Africa as well as almost all of Asia (West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, East Asia and much of Southeast Asia). Roughly two-thirds of the world’s population lives in this window. The people in the 10/40 Window are predominantly Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Animist, Jewish or Atheist and most governments are formally or informally opposed to Christian work within their borders. This area is significant when we look at making disciples of all nations. Following is a spotlight on one city in the 10/40 Window:

 

DELHI

One could argue that the most influential city in all of India is Delhi. In 1911, the capital of India was moved from Calcutta to Delhi. Delhi is the center of power and finance in India. Based on metropolitan populations, Delhi is the 8^th largest city in the world with an estimated population of over 22 million. It is a vibrant melting pot with many distinct ethnic groups and languages spoken.

In Delhi, there is a visible intersection between poverty and lostness. More than 52% of the people in Delhi live in slums. This means that a majority of the people in the city lack water, electricity, and basic daily needs. As for religion, more than 82% of the people in Delhi claim to be Hindus. That is followed, by 11% Muslim, 4 % Sikh, 1.1% Jain, and less than 1% Christian.

According to Operation World, there are around 130,000 Christians in Delhi. There are over 3,000 churches. Many of the Christians in Delhi are migrants who have moved into the city from another province or country. Increasingly, it is difficult for Hindus or Muslims to “convert” to Christianity in Delhi and other parts of India. In fact, there are “anti-conversion” laws that have been put in place by the Indian government to prevent people from becoming followers of Christ.

Delhi is a key city for gospel advancement in India and throughout all of South Asia. As India continues to emerge as a world power, Delhi will increasingly play a crucial role on the global stage. The gospel is there, the church exists there, but there is much spiritual darkness that remains. Pray for the church in Delhi. Pray for God to raise up more leaders, disciples, and churches to see this influential city turned upside-down for the kingdom of Christ.

Facts:

• Delhi has not always been the capital of India. Under the British, Calcutta had the honor for a long time until Delhi was reinstated in 1911.


• The literacy rate in Delhi is over 81%.


• Delhi is said to be one of the oldest existing cities in the world.


• Another 10 million people are expected to move into Delhi by 2021.


• There are over 3,000 slums in Delhi.

Prayer Points:

• Pray for the millions of slum dwellers who have no hope apart from Christ.


• Pray for the more than 589 people groups found in Delhi.


• Pray for the local churches in Delhi to teach sound doctrine.


• Pray for the more than 2 million Muslims in Delhi.


• Pray for the ethnic communities in Delhi (Balmiki, Sindhi, Punjabi, and Burmese).