Reflection on Speaking at the BAPS Charities Walkathon
Recently, I was invited to be a guest speaker at the BAPS Charities Walkathon. BAPS Charities is a global, volunteer-driven organization operating across nine countries and five continents. Their mission focuses on health awareness, education, humanitarian relief, environmental protection, and community empowerment. Guided by their motto “The Spirit of Service” and symbolized by a flame in a crucible, the organization empowers individuals to engage in selfless service that brings hope and positive change to local communities and the world.
The attendees were primarily from India or of Indian descent, and I assumed most—if not all—were Hindu.
The event raised money for Tomahawk Charitable Solutions, a non-profit organization located in the Nashville area that supports the immediate and ongoing needs of Special Operations Forces, Military, and Law Enforcement communities, including their families.
To be honest, I wasn’t in my comfort zone. I had no prepared speech and said a prayer before the event, asking the Lord to guide my words and grant me wisdom and discernment in addressing the large crowd. I reflected on Gandhi’s famous quote: “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Gandhi’s statement is profound—it challenges believers to examine their faith and whether they truly strive to put it into practice daily. That was the quote I opened my speech with.
The disconnect Gandhi observed between Christ’s teachings and Christian behavior remains relevant today, inviting believers to reflect on how authentically they live out their faith in daily life. I’m reminded of what the apostle Paul said in Romans 7:19, “For the good that I want to do, I do not do, but the evil that I do not want to do, I keep on doing.”
I see this disconnect everywhere today, especially among leaders. Excessive pride and ego, in my opinion— are to blame.
Case in point: I had just left the radio station after doing my weekly show
Rusty Rust
Conversations with Mike Sparks heard each Sunday on WGNS radio from 5-6pm on 100.5fm, 101.9fm or WGNSradio.com. My guest was Rusty Rust, a realtor, entrepreneur, and former host of “Fishin’ Affliction,” a TV show that aired weekly on CBS. We discussed how to navigate difficult people, and I attributed the challenge to egos. When leaders care more about themselves than the people they serve, we all lose. It’s reached epidemic levels today.
Sharing the Good News
Sharing the gospel across cultural and religious boundaries requires wisdom, patience, and genuine love. When Christians seek to witness to Hindu friends and neighbors, the approach must be rooted in respect, understanding, and authentic relationship-building. This guide explores practical ways to find common ground while faithfully sharing the hope found in Jesus Christ.
The event led to new found friendships. I later invited May Patel, owner of Tennessee Meat Company in Murfreesboro and Roshan Bhakta, an MTSU graduate to be my guest on my show the next day.
Understanding the Hindu Worldview
Before attempting to share your faith, take time to genuinely understand Hinduism’s rich complexity. Hinduism encompasses diverse beliefs, practices, and philosophical traditions that have developed over thousands of years. Your Hindu friends may hold varying beliefs about God, spirituality, and the afterlife, just as Christians do within their own faith tradition.
Key concepts many Hindus embrace include karma (the law of cause and effect), dharma (righteous living), and the ultimate goal of moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth). Many Hindus are deeply spiritual people who take their relationship with the divine seriously, often through daily prayers, temple worship, and spiritual disciplines.
Approaching these conversations with humility and genuine curiosity will demonstrate respect and open doors for meaningful dialogue. Ask questions like “Can you help me understand what your faith means to you?” rather than making assumptions or immediately pointing out differences.
Finding Common Ground
Despite theological differences, Christians and Hindus share remarkable common ground that can serve as natural conversation starters and relationship builders.
Shared Values and Concerns:
Both faiths emphasize the importance of living righteously and treating others with compassion. Many Hindus deeply value concepts like ahimsa (non-violence), truth-telling, and caring for the poor and marginalized—values that align closely with Jesus’s teachings about love, mercy, and justice.
Spiritual Hunger:
Most Hindus, like Christians, seek a meaningful relationship with the divine and are interested in spiritual growth, prayer, and understanding life’s deeper purposes. This shared spiritual hunger provides natural opportunities for respectful dialogue about faith experiences.
Family and Community:
Both Hindu and Christian cultures typically place high value on family relationships, community support, and intergenerational wisdom. These shared priorities can create bonds of understanding and mutual respect.
Service to Others:
Many Hindu traditions emphasize seva (selfless service), which resonates strongly with Christian calls to serve others in love. Partnering in community service projects or charitable work can build relationships while demonstrating shared values.
Practical Approaches for Building Relationships
Invest in Genuine Friendship:
The most effective witness begins with authentic friendship. Spend time getting to know your Hindu friends as individuals—their interests, concerns, family life, and dreams. Show genuine care for their wellbeing without ulterior motives. People are more likely to listen to spiritual perspectives from someone they trust and respect.
Learn About Their Traditions:
Take interest in Hindu festivals, customs, and traditions. Ask thoughtful questions about celebrations like Diwali, Holi, or Navaratri. Understanding what these observances mean to your friends demonstrates respect and creates opportunities for them to share about their faith journey.
Share Your Story:
Rather than beginning with theological arguments, share your personal testimony of how Jesus has impacted your life. Focus on the transformation, hope, and peace you’ve experienced. Personal stories are less threatening than doctrinal presentations and often resonate across cultural boundaries.
Address Spiritual Questions Together:
When spiritual topics arise naturally, explore them together with curiosity rather than defensiveness. Questions about suffering, purpose, forgiveness, and hope are universal human concerns that both faiths address, though in different ways.
Sensitive Areas to Navigate Carefully
Avoid Attacking Their Beliefs:
Criticizing Hindu gods, traditions, or practices typically closes doors rather than opening them. Instead of focusing on what you believe is wrong with Hinduism, emphasize what you find beautiful and life-changing about Jesus.
Understand Their Perspective on Jesus:
Many Hindus already have great respect for Jesus as a wise teacher or even as a divine figure, though they may not see Him as the exclusive path to salvation. This existing respect can be a starting point for deeper conversations about His unique role and message.
Be Patient with Theological Differences:
Concepts like the Trinity, exclusive salvation through Christ, and the nature of sin may be particularly challenging for Hindu friends to understand or accept initially. Present these truths with patience and clear explanation rather than assuming immediate comprehension or agreement.
Respect Family and Cultural Dynamics:
Conversion to Christianity can create significant family and social challenges for people from Hindu backgrounds. Be sensitive to these pressures and avoid pushing for immediate decisions that might create unnecessary conflict in their relationships.
Practical Conversation Starters
Questions That Build Understanding:
– “What aspects of your faith bring you the most peace?”
– “How do you approach prayer or meditation in your daily life?”
– “What do you find most meaningful about your religious traditions?”
– “How has your faith helped you through difficult times?”
Sharing Your Experience:
– “I’ve found that prayer gives me incredible peace. What has your experience been with connecting to God?”
– “The way Jesus taught about forgiveness has really changed how I handle conflict. How does your faith guide you in relationships?”
– “I’m curious about your perspective on what happens after death. In my faith, I find great hope in…”
Addressing Common Questions and Concerns
“Why Do Christians Think Their Way Is the Only Way?”
Acknowledge that this is a challenging aspect of Christian faith, but explain that Christians believe Jesus’s claim to be the way, truth, and life (John 14:6) comes from His unique nature as both God and man, and His victory over death through resurrection. Emphasize that this belief comes from love, not superiority—Christians want to share what they believe is the greatest gift possible.
“What About All the Good People Who Aren’t Christians?”
Affirm that many non-Christians live admirably moral lives and that God’s justice and mercy are perfect. Explain that Christianity teaches salvation is about relationship with God through Christ rather than just moral behavior, though such behavior naturally flows from that relationship.
“Isn’t God Big Enough for Many Paths?”
While respecting their perspective, explain that Christians believe God has indeed provided a path—through Jesus—that is accessible to all people regardless of background, culture, or social status. It’s not about limiting God, but about God’s specific revelation of Himself through Christ.
Creating Ongoing Opportunities
Invite Them Into Your Community:
Include Hindu friends in appropriate church activities, small group discussions, or Christian fellowship events where they can observe authentic Christian community and love in action. Ensure these are welcoming environments where questions are encouraged rather than discouraged.
Study Scripture Together:
If they’re interested, read portions of the Bible together, particularly the Gospels, focusing on Jesus’s teachings and character. Let the Word of God speak for itself while being available to answer questions and provide context.
Serve Together:
Participate in community service projects together, demonstrating Christian love in action while building deeper friendship and creating natural opportunities for spiritual conversations.
Pray for Wisdom and Opportunities:
Consistently pray for your Hindu friends by name, asking God to work in their hearts and to give you wisdom, love, and appropriate opportunities to share the gospel. Pray also for sensitivity to know when to speak and when to simply demonstrate Christ’s love through actions.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
Remember that conversion is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit, not human persuasion. Your role is to faithfully plant seeds, water them with love and prayer, and trust God to bring growth in His timing. Some people may respond quickly to the gospel message, while others may need years of relationship and gentle witness before their hearts are ready.
Focus on being faithful in small opportunities rather than feeling pressured to achieve immediate results. Sometimes the most powerful witness is simply living out Christ’s love consistently over time, allowing Hindu friends to see the practical difference faith makes in how you handle life’s challenges and relationships.
Conclusion
Reaching Hindu friends with the gospel requires the same qualities Jesus demonstrated: love, patience, wisdom, and genuine concern for their wellbeing. By building authentic relationships, finding common ground, and sharing the hope of Christ with respect and sensitivity, Christians can effectively witness across cultural boundaries.
The goal is not to win arguments but to win hearts by demonstrating the transformative love of Jesus Christ. When approached with humility, respect, and genuine friendship, conversations about faith can become bridges rather than barriers, creating opportunities for Hindu friends to encounter the hope, peace, and eternal life found in relationship with Jesus Christ.
Remember that each person’s journey is unique, and God may use your faithful witness as just one part of their spiritual journey. Stay committed to both truth and love, trusting the Holy Spirit to work in ways beyond your understanding as you faithfully represent Christ to those He has placed in your life.
Feel free to send me your feedback, thoughts and criticisms to MikeSparksTn@gmail.com.
If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor on WGNS Conversations with Mike Sparks or an ad in the TennesseeLedger.com just let me know and I can have you up as a guest and post an ad.
