Two women in the Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh, India were arrested on Good Friday, April 14 for allegedly violating state laws against preaching. According to the police chief, D. Srinivas Rao, "the women were distributing pamphlets telling people how they can overcome their problems by following the Bible." Rao said the women had not received prior permission to preach. The women were identified as Mariamma Mathew, 36, and B. Godwil, 65.
Bishop Gerald Almeida of Jabalpur also reports that police registered cases against seven Christians on April 7 for allegedly violating the state's anti-conversion laws.
Pray that the believers who are facing government opposition will find joy in sharing in Christ's sufferings, knowing that His glory will be revealed through them (1 Peter 4:12-13). Pray that they will mutually share in the comfort that the Holy Spirit provides that builds up the body of Christ (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). Pray that there will be freedom to share Christ throughout India and that those who have been arrested will be released from detention.
For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, click here.
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