Hindu militants beat Christians in Karnataka

Suspected Hindu militants recently beat five Christians, including a pregnant woman, in Karnataka state, India. Approximately 40 local Hindus barged into New Public School in the district of Kolar, where Christians were gathered together for prayer. They then attacked five pastors, severely beating them. The assailants also struck Kejiya Fernandes, the wife of one of the pastors, in the stomach. Police eventually arrived on scene but, when the violence ceased, they took the Christian victims into custody instead of arresting the assailants. The believers were detained for more than seven hours, during which time they were denied medical treatment. They were released only after Kejiya, four-months pregnant, began to bleed profusely. She and her husband later received medical treatment. As a result of her injuries, Kejiya lost the baby she had been carrying.

Pray that God will comfort Kejiya, upholding her with His love and hope. Pray that her husband and the other victims of this attack will continue to trust in the Good Shepherd to guide and encourage them (Psalm 23). Pray that believers in Karnataka will remain confident in their faith and that their passion for Jesus will be a light that helps lead others to come to know Him.

To learn more about how Christ's followers are suffering in India, go to the India Country Report.

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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