Easter Season Brings Violence in India

19 April 2006

^{Hall attacked at Balmatta, Mangalore}

As a group of Christians gathered in a hall in Balmatta, Mangalore on Easter Sunday, as many as twenty-five militant Hindus stormed the building, cussing and threatening those who had gathered there. They destroyed furniture and equipment and trampled Bibles and hymnals. According to an April 17 report from Compass Direct, the damage is estimated at 150,000 rupees ($3800 CDN).

On the same day, also in the district of Mangalore, fifteen attackers from the militant youth organization, Bajrang Dal, attacked the Believers' Church in Bantaguri. Pastor V.P. Paulouse sustained head injuries and fractures to both of his hands. His wife was also beaten and their house and car were damaged. The attackers threatened to further harm the Christians if they continued to meet.

On April 11, approximately fifty members of the Hindu organization Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) forced their way into a prayer meeting in Mumbai. The Hindus initially entered the hall and video-taped the meeting of 500 Christians for more than an hour. Eventually fifteen of the militants marched forward, grabbed the microphone and accused one of the pastors there of converting people to Christianity. They then proceeded to beat Rev. Joseph with chains, iron rods and sticks for more than half an hour. Seven other pastors on the platform were also beaten. Five of the pastors were then dragged to a nearby Hindu temple where the attackers attempted to force them to worship the Hindu gods. When the pastors resisted, they were beaten mercilessly. Two of the pastors sustained serious injuries.

Pray that Indian Christians will continue to share Christ with great boldness despite their suffering (Acts 4:29). Pray that those who have experienced the destruction of property will keep their sights set on the eternal inheritance they have (Hebrews 10:32 -39). Ask God to bring Pastor Paulouse and his wife to full recovery and that there will be no long term effects from injuries they suffered. Pray that the pastors in Mumbai will also recover from their injuries and continue to minister effectively in their churches (I Peter 5:1-4).

For more information on the suffering of Christians in India, click here.

India

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.