Several Christians were assaulted and threatened throughout Sri Lanka in recent weeks.
A pastor was assaulted after attending a meeting convened by a Buddhist monk in Ampara District, Eastern Province on July 10. During the meeting, which was in regard to land distribution, the pastor was assaulted by the monk and others present. The monk kicked the pastor, resulting in serious injuries to his arm and stomach. The assailants later followed the pastor to his home and continued to verbally abuse him and members of his family.
On the evening of July 19, a mob of approximately 50 people attacked the homes of five Christian families in Badulla District in Uva Province. The assailants threw stones which damaged the roofs and broke windows with clubs and rocks. Some families fled in fear to the jungle and waited for the attack to abate. A grocery shop belonging to one of the families was demolished and goods were stolen. The shop owner was also seriously injured. At last report there were plans to force these Christian families to renounce Christianity or leave the village.
Pray for healing for those injured in these attacks. Pray that these Christians will not become fearful but will trust the Lord in all things. Pray that the Lord will continue to make Sri Lankan Christians strong to lovingly and boldly proclaim the gospel amid persecution (Ephesians 6:18-20).
To find out more about persecution in Sri Lanka, visit the Sri Lanka Country Report.
Population
