Homes Destroyed by Fire in Indian Village

Thirty-one homes in the village of Gandahati in Orissa, India were destroyed by fire on November 20.  The incident began as Christians and Hindus were discussing their religious beliefs.  According to VOMC sources, some of the Hindus became angry and set fire to the home of one of the Christians.  Since the homes in Gandahati are close together, the fire quickly spread to other houses owned by both Christians and Hindus.  Six Christians received minor injuries and were treated at a local hospital.  Police have set up a camp in the village to monitor the situation.

Pray that the displaced families will be able to find adequate lodging as they wait on the Lord to provide for new homes. Pray that the Hindu neighbors whose homes were destroyed will turn to Jesus through this tragedy. Ask the Lord to draw the attackers to Himself and that the testimonies of God's people will be evident in the face of hardship.

For more information on the persecution facing Christians in India, click here.

India Information

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC assists persecuted Christians with legal support and rehabilitation assistance, and cares for children of martyrs by providing them with a safe place to be nurtured physical and spiritually. VOMC also partners to equip Christians in India with Biblical training and works to strengthen and support marginalized and persecuted Christian women. Additionally, VOMC helps to provide medical assistance to believers who have faced injuries after being attacked.”

    Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Legal Defense, Relief and Development, Women’s Ministry, Medical Fund

  • Country Information

    Population
    1,399,179,585 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Indo-Aryan (72), Dravidian (25), other (3)

    Religion (%)
    Hinduism (79.8), Muslim (14.2), Christianity (2.3), Sikh (1.7), other (2)

    Leader
    President Droupadi Murmu (2022)

    Government type
    Federal parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Based on English common law; separate personal law codes apply to Christians, Hindus and Muslims.

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for India

    Despite the intimidation and violence that have taken place in many of India's states, may Christians wisely yet unashamedly preach the Gospel. Pray that indigenous Christians and foreign missionaries will minister in ways that do not hint at fraudulent conversions, unmasking the intentions behind the anti-conversion legislation. Intercede for India's leaders, that they may reign with justice and righteousness.

India News