A disagreement over land use in Khamachon village, Punjab has led to accusations of "forcible conversions" and the beating of a local pastor on February 8. According to a February 21 report from Compass Direct, Balhar Singh, pastor of Doaba Punjabi Christian Sabha, bought some land from Surjeet Kaur and her husband three years ago. Singh asked the village council to intervene. During the council meeting, Kaur began shouting obscenities at Singh, accusing him of forcibly converting others to Christianity. She told three youths who were with her to attack Singh, which they did in front of the council members. Police were called in and Singh was taken the hospital for treatment. He suffered several bruises on his body and a deep cut on his face. Charges were filed against Kaur, but were later dropped after she apologized and agreed to not repeat her "mistake." Singh believes the land disagreement was merely an excuse and that the real problem was that they did not like villagers coming to the church.
Pray that Pastor Singh will know the mind of the Lord as he directs his congregation through this time. Pray for his recuperation from his injuries. Pray that Surjeet Kaur will come to faith in Christ.
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