According to various sources, Hindu militants in Orissa state are offering compensation in money, clothing, or basic necessities for those who succeed in killing Christians, destroying their property, or burning down churches. A reward of approximately $300 is being promised to those who kill a pastor. Women are also being recruited by the militants and being trained in secret locations to use swords and clubs to attack believers. The interior minister has called for the creation of a special police division to protect those under threat of violence.
Ask God to thwart the attempts of those seeking to harm and intimidate Christians in Orissa. Pray that believers in India will remain steadfast in faith as they serve Christ in hostile and dangerous environments.
To find out more about the plight of Christians in India, click here. The feature article of the January edition of The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter focuses on the testimonies of Christians in Orissa who are suffering for Christ's sake. Read their testimonies by subscribing to our free newsletter.
On November 16, four Christians in the community of Santiago Teotlaxco, Oaxaca State, Mexico were jailed for refusing to participate or help pay for a festival that blends traditional native religions and Catholicism, according to a November 25 report from Compass Direct. Evangelical Christians throughout southern Mexico, especially those in indigenous communities, are living in fear of being expelled from their homes or having their utilities cut off by officials attempting to pressure them into conforming to local religious practices.
