On February 17, Pastor Goda Israel (28) left home for a prayer meeting and failed to return. Three days later, his body was found with stab wounds in a canal near his home in the village of Pedapallparru, Andhra Pradesh.
Israel had graduated from the Emmanuel Bible Institute in 2003 and was supervisor over fifteen churches in the region. According to a February 27 report from Compass Direct, he had previously faced threats from Hindu militants because of his ministry. At this point, the reasons for his murder are unknown. Israel is survived by a wife and young children.
Ask the Lord to give comfort to Goda's wife, children and others who mourn for him. Pray that they will find peace in the fact that the Lord will be exalted, whether in life or in death (Philippians 1:20). Pray that those who persecute Christians in India will come to repentance and accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour.
For more information on persecution in India, click here.
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