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Hall attacked at Balmatta, Mangalore |
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.
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