On May 21, the body of Pastor K. Daniel from Kummarvadi, a village on the outskirts of Hyderabad was found with marks indicating he had suffered from an acid attack. Three days later, another pastor from the outskirts of Hyderabad also went missing. According to a June 6 report from Compass Direct, the body of Pastor Isaac Raju was discovered wrapped in a jute bag behind bushes on June 2. It is reported that police received an anonymous phone call giving the location of Raju's body. It would appear that both men were lured to their deaths by someone asking to meet with them to discuss their availability to conduct a wedding ceremony.
An unknown group calling themselves the "Anti-Christian Forum" is claiming responsibility for the attacks. Police have questioned over 150 members of local militant Hindu groups in an effort to find those responsible. A notice has been posted in "The Hindu" newspaper offering a reward for the capture of those responsible for the attacks.
Pray that those responsible for these attacks will be found. Pray for peace, comfort and wisdom for other pastors in the area who are facing the possibility of an organized attack against pastors. Pray for strength and comfort for the families of those who have been killed.
For more information on persecution facing Christians in India, click here.
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