Pastor's House Demolished in Orissa

20 September 2006

According to VOMC sources in India, conflicts within the Good Shepherd Community Church in Manikeswari near Raikia, Orissa has resulted in the destruction of the pastor's house and false charges of rape against the pastor.

Pastor Karnel Nayak had been the pastor of the church for several years. Recently, Angad Naik, a local member, determined to drive the pastor out by starting his own church with several other disgruntled church members. When this did not force Pastor Nayak to leave, Naik sought the help of Hindu militants in the area. The militants demolished the pastor's home on September 8. Fearing charges could be laid, Naik allegedly bribed a church member to accuse Pastor Nayak of raping her.

Medical tests have proven the rape charges are false and it is expected that Pastor Nayak will be released on bail on September 21. However, a police official has reportedly said that Nayak's life could be in danger if he is released, since many in the community continue to be angry with him. Meanwhile, police have charged nineteen people in connection with the destruction of the pastor's home.

Pray that truth would prevail and that Pastor Nayak and his congregation will confidently trust the Great Judge with the outcome of this situation (I Peter 5:1-4). Pray that the Lord will keep him and his family safe from harm.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, click here. Visit https://www.vomcanada.com/ to view video news reports on India.

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.