While walking to the funeral of a church member, eight students from the Beersheba Bible College of the Indian Pentecostal Church of God at Maramon in the Pathanamthitta District of Kerala State, India were attacked by approximately fifteen members of the militant Hindu group, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). According to a May 16 report from Compass Direct, all eight were treated for injuries from knives and other sharp weapons. Three of those students required hospitalization. Police confirm that this was an unprovoked attack and have pressed charges against those responsible.
Those injured in the attack were: Blessen Abraham, George Abraham, Binu Babu, R. Ravindran, Rajesh, B. Rony, T.E. Varghese, and Vinod. Babu and Blessen Abraham were admitted to the hospital and released on May 15. According to the last report, Varghese remained in hospital.
The incident has provoked fear in the student body. Two days later, a group of RSS militants gathered outside the college shouting threats and anti-Christian slogans. The campus is under police protection. The school has responded by offering forgiveness to the attackers. They do not wish to press charges, though police have registered a criminal case against the RSS workers.
Pray for the healing of those attacked. Pray that the peace of God will reign in the hearts of the students and that fear will not rule over them (1 Peter 3:14-15). Pray that those who instigated this violence will see the love and grace of God and turn to Christ.
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