Three Christians were assaulted in two separate attacks by Hindu militants in Karnataka state on December 5, according to a December 8 report from Compass Direct.
Mayaeshak Baila was assaulted in the village of Gersoppa by a Hindu militant while returning home from a prayer meeting. Baila was waiting at a bus stop when he was approached by Chandrashekar Naik, a member of Bajrang Dal. Naik questioned Baila extensively about his activities in the village and once he realized that Baila was a Christian, he started to slap, punch and swear at him. He then threw Baila to the ground and kicked him in the ribs, stomach and back. He accused Baila of forcibly converting Hindu villagers and told him that he would be killed if he entered the village again. Baila was able to escape when others passing by intervened.
After Baila filed a complaint at the Honavar police station, police arrested Naik and charged him under the Indian Penal Code for causing hurt, intentional insult and criminal intimidation. However, Naik was quickly released on bail.
Later that day, two Christians, Joseph Lopes and Agnel Dias, were assaulted by two Bajrang Dal members while they were visiting Christian homes in the village of Honavar. The militants dragged Lopes and Dias, who were both carrying Bibles, to the police station, where they accused them of preaching the gospel with the intent of forcibly converting Hindu villagers. Both of the men were detained overnight and released the following morning. Although they were aggressively questioned by authorities the entire night, they were not harmed or threatened.
Pray that increased persecution in India will result in increased boldness among Christians (Acts 4:29-31). Thank the Lord that the two imprisoned Christians were kept safe from harm. Ask God to heal Baila of his injuries. Pray that those who falsely accuse believers of forcible conversion will see that the Gospel message is one of a free gift and not coercion, and respond in faith to Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
For more information on the persecution facing Christians in India, click here. Video reports on some of the ways VOMC is assisting those persecuted for their faith in India are available on our multimedia website, https://www.vomcanada.com/.
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