"Brother B," a leader of more than 30 churches and fellowships in northeastern India, serves as a program director for one of VOMC's International Ministry partners. VOMC recently received a report informing that the trial of this Christian ministry leader, who has been imprisoned since mid-October, was finally scheduled to take place this week.
Since the court had been awaiting a police report, the trial was delayed multiple times. According to the ministry leader's family members, the police were unable to find any evidence to support the accusations against "Brother B." (A lack of substantial evidence was the primary factor in the court delays.) At last report, the trial was set to take place on November 28th; however, we have yet to receive information regarding the outcome.
The mounting challenges experienced by religious minorities in India make it very difficult for believers to reach out to those residing in their communities who are desperately in need of humanitarian help and hope. Representatives from 21 countries, along with human rights groups, have recently issued calls for India's governing officials to improve religious freedoms within the country. In particular, critics have raised concerns over the increase in violence, hate speech and anti-conversion laws that are targeting vulnerable minority groups. For more information on the persecution of our Christian brothers and sisters in India, go to our country report.
Remember to lift up "Brother B" in your prayers, asking the Lord to give him peace and strength as he now deals with the outcome of the recent trial. Pray that if any charges have been made against him, they will be dropped and that he will be permitted to continue his ministry activities without hindrance or further threat of arrest and imprisonment. Please also prayerfully uphold other Christians throughout India who are experiencing oppression – whether it be from their families, community members, local authorities and/or officials of the state.
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