Prayer Meeting Attacked; Twenty Injured

International Christian Concern 12 July 2018

Church in India - Photo: Morning Star News www.morningstarnews.org/ — Pray that India's Christians will continue to meet and encourage one another.
Photo: Morning Star News

Twenty Christians were seriously injured after a mob stormed the prayer meeting they attended. According to local reports, more than 150 believers were gathered together on July 2nd when 25 Hindu villagers attacked them, beating them with wooden rods. When the mayhem finally concluded, 20 Christians were severely injured; some with broken bones. Ten motorcycles were also damaged, along with furniture and musical instruments.

Following the assault, the village leader filed multiple false criminal charges against six of the Christians. One of those accused, Gautam, stated that they were charged under the anti-conversion legislation, even though there were no attempts made in terms of conversion. "We peacefully conduct prayers every Monday and people voluntarily attend these prayers," he added.

Please pray for healing on behalf of all those who were injured in this recent attack. Ask the Lord for His provision for the church and its members in their endeavours to replace what was destroyed. Also pray that the charges will be dropped against the falsely accused Christians, and that the Godly conduct and attitude demonstrated by the church members will serve as a bright light for the other villagers, showing them the way to faith in Christ.

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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