A church building in the village of Murichambedu in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu has been locked by villagers angry because many people have been coming to Christ through the work of a local pastor named Steven (45). According to the July 13 edition of the Tamil newspaper Dinamalar, Steven, his wife Annammal and their two children moved to the village two years ago and began leading villagers to the Lord. The newspaper reported that he "started spreading his tentacles to neighbouring villages" as well. So many people converted to Christianity that local Hindu rituals and festivals began to suffer. Angered by this, Hindus in the village asked him to cease his "proselytizing activities." When Steven ignored their request, some of the villagers locked the church building and drove Steven and his family from the village. Steven has registered a complaint with the police in nearby Mijur. The police inspector has begun meetings with the villagers to negotiate peace.
Pray that the ministry of Pastor Steven and other Christians in the area around Murichambedu will continue, despite this opposition. Pray for safety for Steven and his family. Pray that those opposing the Gospel will come to see the love of Christ and respond to Him.
For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, click here.
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