Tensions are high in the village of Rohiyal Talal in India's Gujarat state after a July 18 attack on a church building under construction. A group of 15-20 people arrived in a jeep with spades and axes and began to destroy the walls, iron grates, and windows. According to witnesses, some of the attackers were local leaders of the militant Hindu organization Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). According to Compass Direct, problems arose when two Hindu brothers turned against another brother, Suresh Ada Varli, who had become a Christian. Varli was helping to finance the construction, which his brothers claimed was illegal. Even though police identified several of the accused the next day, no arrests have been reported.
Pray that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable. Pray that Christians in the community will demonstrate the love of Christ to their Hindu neighbours and that people will come to Christ through this situation.
For more information on persecution of Christians in India, click here.
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