Bail Granted for Hopegivers International Founder

Dr. Samuel Thomas

Opposition to the ministry of Hopegivers International began in February after local Hindus found a book containing statements that they found offensive at a bookstand operated by the ministry. The escalating violence and protests led to the arrest of Hopegivers' president, Dr. Samuel Thomas and others. An arrest warrant for the founder of the mission, Archbishop M.A. Thomas, was also issued.

This week, M.A. Thomas was granted anticipatory bail.  He had been in hiding since the arrest warrant had been issued.  Another worker with the mission, V.S. Thomas (no relation) was also released on bail on April 21.  Dr. Samuel Thomas remains in jail. He has reportedly been put in a separate cell for his protection amid fears that Hindu militants are planning to harm him. His latest bail hearing was scheduled for April 24.  According to Compass Direct, the matter came up for hearing yesterday but the court postponed it until today.

Continue to uphold the staff of Hopegivers International in your prayers. Pray that Dr. Samuel Thomas will be released on bail.

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

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.

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India News

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    Pastor Manju, an outspoken leader and prominent advocate for Christian rights in India, pastored churches in two different villages within Chhattisgarh State. Sadly, Pastor Manju suffered a heart attack on August 28th and suddenly passed away, leaving his surviving wife, daughter and two sons grief-stricken and in a state of shock.

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