Jim Borst, has been serving with the UK-based Mill Hill Mission in Kashmir since 1963. According to a May 7 report from Compass Direct, Borst has been asked by the Foreigners' Registration Office to leave India, saying that his visa was not renewed.
Borst is principal of Burn Hall School and St. Joseph's school in Srinagar. In November 2003, the Good Shepherd Mission School, which Borst founded, was attacked twice by unidentified assailants. In one incident, a grenade was thrown into the school, though no one was hurt in the attack. Police said the attacks were intended to frighten rather than injure. It is believed the attacks were related to Borst's evangelistic work in the area. Borst has also translated the New Testament and Psalms into modern Kashmiri.
According to a letter from the Foreigners' Registration Office, his visa renewal was denied because he had left the country in December 2003 and later entered Kashmir "illegally and unauthorized." The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) has protested this "unwarranted harassment of Father Jim."
Pakistan and India both claim control of the region of Kashmir and fighting continues in the region between the two countries. Along with the political battles, Christian missions in Kashmir have faced opposition from both Hindu and Muslim militants.
Pray that Jim Borst will be allowed to continue his ministry in India. Also pray for the continued ministry of Mill Hill Mission in the areas of education, medical and evangelistic work. Pray for safety for Christian workers in Kashmir as they face threats from both Hindu and Muslim militants.
For more information on persecution facing Christians in India, click here.
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