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India

• Militants Disrupt Church Services, Beat Christians in Karnataka

  On May 13, approximately twenty-five Hindu militants attacked a morning worship service at a Village Vision India church in the town of Kushalnagar. The militants destroyed Bibles and beat several Christians, including Pastor Channiagha and Pastor George. They told Pastor George to stop converting people to Christianity. The two pastors were taken to the police station and released at 10:30 p.m. Meanwhile, at approximately 6:30 p.m., militants went to Pastor George's house and assaulted his wife along with their one-year-old daughter.

  Pastor Titus with a fellow believer Photo fromGCIC

  Also in Kushalnagar on May 13, police and six Hindu militants beat three Christians in Nagegowda district and threatened to murder Pastor D. Titus. At approximately 5:00 p.m., the police, along with the militants, went to Bethel Ministries Church in search of Pastor Titus. When they did not find Titus there, the militants went to his house where they beat three believers after questioning them about his whereabouts.
  
  

  Pastor Hosula Raj Photo fromGCIC

  On May 13, in the village of Pandavapura, Karnataka, Pastor Hosula Raj was beaten by a mob of approximately thirty Hindu militants who disrupted a morning worship service. The militants, some armed with clubs, beat several Christians including Pastor Hosula, who was then bound in chains and dragged to the local police station where they complained that he was committing forced conversions. He was charged under Section 295-A of the Indian Penal Code.

  Pray that all charges against Pastor Hosula will be dropped. Ask that God will give healing to all those injured. Pray that Christians in India will keep their eyes on Jesus, persevere in their faith, and not grow weary or lose heart. (Hebrews 10:32-39; 12:1-3).

  For more information on the persecution facing Christians in India,click here. Video reports from India are also available on the multimedia website, www.vomcanada.com.

• Christians Beaten in Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

  Mrs. Annapurna with her husband, Pastor Bakhthula Anand Photo fromGCIC

  At approximately 8:00 p.m. on May 2, Mrs. Annapurna (35) was beaten by Hindu militants in the town of Ramayanpet in Uttar Pradesh state. Mrs. Annapurna assists her husband, Pastor Bakhthula Anand, in the church activities of the Bethesda Prayer House in Ambojipeta. On March 11, Pastor Anand was beaten by Hindu militants (click here for more details) and he has received death threats for his Christian work in the area.

  According to Compass Direct, on the evening of May 3, twenty Christians were beaten with clubs by a group of Hindu militants while they were gathered in the home of Dr. Vijay Pradhan in Sarguja district, Chhattsigarh state. One Christian's leg was broken and several others sustained minor injuries.

  Pray that the work of Mrs. Annapurna and her husband will continue on unhindered. Pray that Christians in India will rest in the fact that those who share in Christ's sufferings also share in His glory (Romans 8:15-17).

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in India,click here. Several video features on India are available on VOMC's multimedia website, www.vomcanada.com.

• Marthoma Churches Attacked in Karnataka

  As believers were concluding their Sunday worship service at the Marthoma Church in Narasapur, Karnataka on May 6, at least fifty Hindu militants arrived, beat some of the Christians and demanded that the church be permanently closed within ten days. At least six were injured. The militants demanded that the Christians hand over two evangelists, Jayray and James, but someone said they had left for another mission church in Baelemananahalli. When the militants rushed to the Baelemananahalli church and did not find them there, they beat several of the believers present. A police report has been filed but there were no arrests at last report.

  Pray for the healing of those injured in the attacks. Pray for the continued faithfulness of those involved in spreading the Gospel in this region.

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in India,click here.

• Pastor Beaten in Rajasthan

  Pastor Walter Masih was severely beaten by approximately twenty youths from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad militant group on April 29 in Jaipur, Rajasthan. At approximately 1:30 p.m., three youths knocked on the door of Masih's house in Nandpuri Bazar and told his wife that they wanted to meet with him. When Masih opened the door in order to speak with the visitors, several masked militants arrived and forcibly entered his home. They beat Masih with rods in front of his wife and seven-year-old daughter, ransacked his house and then dragged him outside. A neighbour who witnessed the attack ran to the local police station. Police were able to intervene and Masih was rushed to the hospital.

  At last report, police had arrested five suspects. The local media is also under investigation for its connection with the incident since the militants invited a local TV station to film the assault. Video footage of the attack can be viewed at Google Videos.

  Pray that the perpetrators of this crime will be brought to justice. Ask God to give Walter a speedy recovery. Pray that he and his family will rely the Lord's strength and not on their own (2 Corinthians 1:8-9)

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in India,click here.

• Persecution Continues Throughout India

  VOMC sources report that on April 17, four pastors were arrested by the local police in the Cuttack district of Orissa state after local Hindu militants saw them distributing Christian literature and accused them of forcibly converting Hindus. The four pastors -- Pran Ranjan Mali, Santosh Kumar Majhi, Jason Badra and Roshan Lima -- were released on bail the following day.

  Open air church service in Velakkudi village Photo fromGCIC

  On April 20, church members in Velakkudi village, Tamil Nadu dismantled their make-shift church building when a group of villagers, incited by a militant group, threatened them at knifepoint. Pastor Durai Peter and his congregation have been previously targeted by militant groups who claim that the church services are a disturbance. They also claim that the church's presence has rendered a "god" in their local temple inactive. The Christians now meet on an open plot of land.

  On April 22, two pastors were beaten and jailed after twenty to twenty-five members of the Sangh Parivar Hindu militant group disrupted a prayer meeting the pastors were leading in a local believer's home in Rajanukunte village, Bangalore. At approximately 8:00 p.m. the militants surrounded the house where twenty Christians were meeting and verbally abused Pastor Jayaseelan and Pastor Daniel. When the police arrived, the pastors were ordered to accompany them to the local police station. On the way, the militants attacked again, beating and verbally harassing the pastors and four Christians who were accompanying them. The militants accused Pastor Jayaseelan and Pastor Daniel of forced conversions. At 3:00 a.m., a magistrate sent them to the central prison.

  Ask God heal those injured in these attacks. Pray that Christians in India will trust God to enable them to proclaim the Gospel even while suffering. (2 Timothy 4:16-18).

  For more information on persecution in India,click here. Video footage from India on ways that VOMC is helping those who are suffering is available at www.vomcanada.com.
• Christians Beaten, Arrested in Andhra Pradesh

  The Voice of the Martyrs received several reports of attacks on Christians in Andhra Pradesh during the past week.

  On the morning of April 11, several Christians were severely beaten by Hindu militants in Chittor district, Andhra Pradesh, after an evangelistic team returned from distributing Gospel tracts in the area. As they were socializing with some fellow believers, a group of approximately seventy militants attacked the Christians, beating them and burning their literature.

  On April 14, five Christians were arrested for distributing Christian literature while praying for patients at the Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad, according to an April 17 report from All India Christian Council. All five are currently in police custody.

  Girl injured in the attack on Bethel Church Photo fromGCIC

  Also in Hyderabad, on April 15, twenty Christians were attacked by ten Hindu militants at Bethel Church in Borabanda. At least four people were injured, including a 3-year old girl.

  Pray that Indian Christians will continue to share Christ with great boldness despite their suffering (Acts 4:29). Ask God to bring those who were injured to a quick and full recovery. Pray for the continued spread of the Gospel in India in the midst of severe opposition.

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in India,click here. Several video reports on persecution in India are available on VOMC's multimedia website, www.vomcanada.com.

• Church Leaders Persecuted During Easter Season

  Three separate incidents against church leaders during the Easter season demonstrate the continuing difficulties in sharing the Gospel in India.

  According to an April 11 report from Compass Direct, police in Uttar Pradesh arrested a pastor of the GEMS ministry in the Chandauli district on Maundy Thursday, April 5. Pastor Munsi Lal was accused by local residents of paying Hindu families 2000 rupees ($54 CAD) to convert to Christianity. He was held for one day before being fined 111 rupees ($3.00 CAD) and released.

  On Easter Sunday, April 8, two pastors of the Believers' Church in Salwa, Madhya Pradesh were beaten by Hindu militants. According to Compass Direct sources, the home of Dinesh Toppo and Chandan Chhinchani was ransacked. The two were then dragged from the house and then hit and kicked. The attackers accused the two of forcible conversion and participation in the sex trade. False charges were lodged against the pastors. They have been released on bail.

  Also on April 8, two church gatherings in Himachal Pradesh were attacked by approximately sixty VHP members, according to All India Christian Council. The militants first stormed a house church in Shirad Valley at approximately 11:00 a.m. while twenty-five believers were worshiping. The militants demanded that Pastor Yona Babu burn his Bible and renounce his faith in Christ. When he refused, they severely beat him, leaving him unconscious. They then told the other worshippers that they faced a similar fate unless they recant. After leaving the service, the militants disrupted a prayer meeting in the village of Krotal where they warned the Christians to stop meeting or face serious consequences.

  Ask God to grant a quick recovery to those injured. Pray for steadfastness for those facing opposition from Hindu groups determined to stop the spread of Christianity. Pray that persecutors will come to repentance and respond to God's grace (Acts 9:1-19).

  For more information on persecution in India,click here.

• Church Building Demolished

  In an attempt to kill Pastor Shri Levi Chetti, a mob of 300 Hindu militants completely demolished a JLC church building in Gunthaput village, Orissa, on March 30, according to a report from the Global Council of Indian Christians. During the demolition, the militants demanded that all Christians leave the village and said they will not allow any Christian worship centers in the area.

  The church has been subject to persecution in the past. On March 2, 2005 their building was burned down by Hindu villagers along with Hindu nationalists. Money, food and musical instruments were stolen and Bibles were burned. Since then, local Hindus have desecrated the church building by urinating and defecating on it just prior to worship services. Attempts to build a wall to stop this have met with further violence.

  Pray that these Christians will be encouraged to continue to meet together despite their loss of property (Hebrews 10:23). Pray that persecutors will come to know Christ's love, forgiveness and blessing through the faithfulness His followers (Romans 12:14, 21).

  For more information on the persecution facing Christians in India,click here. Several recent video reports on India are available on VOMC's multimedia website, www.vomcanada.com.

• Several Attacks on Christians throughout India

  Pastor Rajendra Chauhan Photo from Mission Network News

  This week, The Voice of the Martyrs has received several reports of brutal attacks on Christians throughout India. Here are several summaries.

  On March 25, Pastor Rajendra Chauhan and another unidentified pastor were arrested and in the village of Kundra, Uttar Pradesh after twenty six members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Hindu militant group complained to police that Chauhun was engaged in conversion activities. Both men have been charged under the Indian Penal code with "hurting religious sentiments" and cannot currently be granted bail. (Source: Open Doors USA).

  Pastor Basanta Nayak Photo fromGlobal Council of Indian Christians

  On March 27, Pastor Basanta Nayak (21) was severely beaten by a group of ten to twelve Hindu miltiants in the village of Sujeli, Orissa state. The militants demanded that Nayak deny Christ, punching him and strangling him with a towel. When he refused, they beat him unconscious. Thinking he was dead, they then dragged his body into a nearby forest.
  (Source: Global Council of Indian Christians)

  On March 31, Pastor Hemant Vashiani and several other members of the True Worship Ministry Church in Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra state were beaten by Hindu militants. After entering the church during an evening service and accusing Pastor Vashiani of committing forcible conversions, the militants beat him and several believers with iron rods and wooden clubs. Pastor Vashiani reportedly suffered head injuries and both legs were broken in the attack. The church building and some furniture were also damaged.
  (Source: Global Council of Indian Christians, Evangelical Fellowship of India)

  On April 1, two mission workers sustained serious head injuries when they were beaten by Hindu militants armed with bamboo and sugarcane sticks in Damoh, Mahyha Pradesh. The attack occurred after the militants questioned the Christians about a Sunday school procession they were leading
  (Source: Evangelical Fellowship of India).

  Christian injured in Jabalpur Photo from Global Council of Indian Christians

  Also on April 1, the congregation of St. Paul's Church (Church of North India) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh was attacked during a Palm Sunday worship service by members of the pro-Hindu Bajrang Dal organization. Five believers were beaten and injured, including a baby girl.
  (Source: Evangelical Fellowship of India).

  Praise God for the courage and faith of these Indian believers. Ask Him to heal those who were injured. Pray that God will give the church leadership in India the wisdom to know how to shepherd the people through these difficult times (James 1:5).

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in India,click here. Several video features on India are also available on our newly-redesigned multimedia website, www.vomcanada.com.

• Christian Workers Beaten

  Reports of Christian workers in India being assaulted for their ministry activities continue to be received by VOMC.

  According to the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), at approximately 8:00 p.m. on March 20, a Christian worker identified only as Pawar was attacked in his home in Navi, Mumbai by fifteen Hindu militants. Pawar's troubles began on March 12, when he counseled a suicidal college student named Kundan Yadav. Yadav initially told his principal that he was thankful for Pawar's help. Eight days later, however, he brought fifteen members of the Maharasthra Navanirman Samithi Hindu group to Pawar's home. The militants blackened Pawar's face with ink and beat him. The police have arrested seven of the attackers for trespassing and assaulting Pawar.

  GCIC also reported that, on March 23, an independent Gospel worker, Reverend P. Abraham, and a college professor, Jacob Thomas, were severely injured as they were beaten while returning from a gospel meeting in Shri Ganganagar, Rajasthan. The police arrested them and took them into custody at the Jawahar Nagar police station. The attackers later arrived at the station and filed a complaint of forcible conversion against Rev. Abraham and Prof. Thomas.

  On March 24, a group of evangelists of Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) was beaten up by Muslim militants in the village of Mullakkudi, Kerala state. The three evangelists, Satheeth Kumar, George Thomas and Kunjumon Mani, were preparing for a meeting at noon that Saturday when a group of Muslims questioned them about their activities and then assaulted hem. They destroyed the megaphone the evangelists were using to preach to the public and threw Bibles and other Christian literature into the river. It is possible that the attack took place because a few young Muslims had recently come to faith in Jesus and had been helping the SVM evangelists distribute literature.

  SVM also reported this week that, on March 22, a group of Brethren Church evangelists was also assaulted while doing personal evangelism in Marayur, Kerala. The evangelists had finished distributing tracts throughout the village and were inside a lodge preparing to go to evening Bible class when a group of people suddenly arrived and severely beat them.

  Ask God to heal those injured in these attacks. Pray these workers will remain faithful to the task God has given them, knowing that they will receive the crown of life (1 Peter 5:1-4). Pray for the continued spread of the Gospel in India in the midst of severe opposition.

  For more information on persecution in India,click here. The Voice of the Martyrs has recently released a DVD report entitled, "Faith Under Fire: India." To order a copy, online catalogue.