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Church steeple - Photo: Unsplash: Paul Silvan
Ask God to reassure believers in India that He never forsakes His children.

Around 60 Christians were gathered for worship on the morning of Sunday, August 29th, when a mob of over 100 people barged into the facility and began shouting Hindu slogans. The perpetrators proceeded to physically assault all of the attending church members, destroy their musical instruments, and tear apart a Bible before trampling it underfoot. The invading militants then placed Hindu idols in the building and began worshipping them.

Pastor Kawalsingh Paraste and his family were particularly targeted during this violent raid. When some of the Christians questioned the attackers, the vandals stated that (according to them) everyone who happens to be born in India must remain Hindu and, therefore, they can only worship Hindu deities.

The congregants of this recently attacked church, which is located in the village of Polmi, have been meeting at the same location for almost 20 years. Prior to the incident, they had lived in peace with other villagers for years. According to witnesses, the mob allegedly came from the neighbouring village of Bhejgar.

While a police report has been filed, Christian leaders in Chhattisgarh accuse the authorities of inaction. Arun Pannalal, the president of Chhattisgarh's Christian Forum, stated that at least ten attacks have occurred within the past two weeks alone, yet no action had been taken by the authorities. For further information on the persecution of Christians in India, including previously posted reports, go to our country report.

May the peace that had existed for years in the village of Polmi – specifically among its Christian and Hindu members – be prayerfully restored, allowing the recently attacked followers of Jesus to freely resume the practice of their faith in safety once more. Intercede for the salvation of those responsible for the recent anti-Christian attacks in Chhattisgarh. May their hearts be touched by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, leading them to repentance for their wrongful actions. Pray that this recovering church community will convey the love of Christ to those around them in all circumstances.

 

Current Ministry Projects

In addition to providing persecuted Christians legal support and rehabilitation assistance, VOMC cares for children of martyrs by ensuring they have a safe home in which to be nurtured both physically and spiritually. VOMC also partners to equip Christians in India with Biblical training and offers specialized ministry to further strengthen and support marginalized, persecuted Christian women.

Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Legal Defence, Relief and Development, Women’s Ministry

Country Information

Designation
Persecuted

Population
1,339,330,514 (July 2021 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Indo-Aryan (72), Dravidian (25), Mongoloid and other (3)

Religion (%)
Hinduism (79.8), Muslim (14.2), Christianity (2.3), Sikh (1.7), other (2)

Leader
President Ram Nath Kovind (2017)

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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