Supported by Hindu militants, Indian police arrested a pastor and six other church leaders in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh on April 18 on charges of "fraudulent conversion," according to Compass Direct.
While members of the militant Hindu organization Bajrang Dal chanted outside the door, police barged into the home of Avinash Lal, an independent Pentecostal pastor, around 8:30 p.m. They manhandled Pastor Lal and six other church leaders, shouting abuse and pounding the furniture with their batons. Accusing the Christians of illegal conversions, the police tore up Bibles, slapped Lal, grabbed another leader by the hair and a third by his ears. They were then taken to the Barela police station where they remained until midnight, when they were released on bail. Indira Iyengar, president of the Madhya Pradesh Christian Association, was told by authorities that the seven were under investigation for illegal prayer meetings.
Pray for wisdom for these leaders, as they deal with these accusations. Pray that they will have the words to say as they stand before their accusers (Luke 12:11-12). Pray that these seven men will keep their eyes on Jesus, persevere in their faith, and not grow weary or lose heart (Hebrews 10:32-39; Hebrews 12:1-3).
For more information on the persecution facing Christians in India, click here. The feature article of the June edition of The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter focuses on the trials and courage of Christian believers in India and the rising persecution they face. Click here to subscribe today.
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