Prayer Walk Cities: Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar

Ayodhya. Lord Ram, said to be the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born here. Ayodhya is the holiest city in India, with more than 700 temples, and is believed to be 9,000 years old. The city is a leading metropolis in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Mathura. Also situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Krishna is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who came to protect the earth from evil and powerful King Kansa. Mathura is sometimes called the “heart of Indian culture” because of its many multi-hued temples.

Haridwar. The literal translation of this city’s name, Hari ka Dwar, means “Gateway of Lord Vishnu.” Hindus come here before going on Char Dham Yatra (Four Abodes of the Hindu Religion) for the ritualistic bath in the holy water of the Ganges River. The world-renowned Kumbh Mela is held in this sacred city every 12 years.

“We spent a day with a man who had been a drunkard and had killed two men. God powerfully saved him. He has helped start 100+ churches that each have their own leaders—a good number of those being women leaders.”

“He currently works with 82 leaders (church planters starting churches beyond their home church) who have each started between one and 30+ churches themselves. That number does not count leaders he has developed who now repeat this process with their own leadership groups. This man and his teams also shared stories of three people who came back to life after prayer….”