A report received on February 18 from the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka outlines several attacks on Christians on February 14-15, including the following:
According to one unconfirmed report, three Christian workers were visiting a Christian's home in Katugasthota, Nuwara, on February 14 when they were forcibly taken to the Buddhist temple. There the monk summoned the villagers who assaulted them. When their pastor and others came to assist, they were taken to the police station where they were held until the next day.
The Apostolic Church in Boraluwewa, Kuliyapitiya, has been under constant threat, as opponents have been attempting to close the church. On January 28, police advised the pastor worker to not call them if the church is attacked. Nevertheless, when the worker received information that an attack was planned for February 15, he called the police. The police never arrived. Two hours later, a crowd of around one hundred people gathered, destroying the church and the pastor's living quarters. The worker and his pregnant wife managed to escape but all of their possessions were destroyed. They are now living in a safe house. A police report was filed and five people have been arrested. However, a neighboring Christian has been threatened and is being prevented from leaving his house to make a police complaint. Pastors and other Christian leaders are unable to visit the site, since villagers are keeping anyone from entering the area.
|
Pray for provision for these poor families who have lost their belongings as a result of these attacks. Pray that the authorities will provide the protection needed. Pray that, through incidents such as these, the Buddhist villagers will see the love of Christ in the lives of those they oppose.
For more information on Sri Lanka, go to www.vomcanada.com/srilanka.htm.
Population
