Supporters of the pro-Hindu group, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have accused Pastor C. Samuel John, the owner of an orphanage in Lakkavalli, Karnataka state, of forced conversion, according to a November 13 report from Compass Direct. The Hindu militants have also threatened local converts to Christianity.
On November 8, BJP supporters filed a complaint with the police against Pastor John that alleged that he was visiting slums and villages in the area and inducing Dalits to convert to Christianity. John denied the allegations and asked that his accusers provide proof of their claims which they were unable to do.
A few days later, on November 12, BJP activists threatened, harassed and interrogated residents of the village in order to gain information about the orphanage, which they say is a center for the forcible conversions. The following day, a BJP supporter identified only as Nagesh went to Pastor John's house and threatened to prevent local converts from joining any church in the area.
The activists have threatened public demonstrations against John's alleged conversions but local authorities and Dalits are reported to be supportive of him.
Ask the Lord to keep Pastor John safe from harm and to allow him to continue his ministry. Pray that Indian Christians will set Christ apart as Lord and not be controlled by fear (1 Peter 3:14-17). Ask that their persecutors will come to repentance and receive salvation, just as Paul did (Acts 9:1-19).
For more information on the persecution facing Christians in India, click here. A new report from India from Crossroads Communications on some of the ways VOMC is helping those persecuted for their faith in India is available on the multimedia website, https://www.vomcanada.com/.
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