On the evening of February 16th, a mob of approximately 250 villagers led by 11 Buddhist monks stormed a pastor's property in Asgiriya, Kandy district, demanding that worship services at the site cease immediately. The monks belong to the hardline nationalist organization, "Bodu Bala Sena" (BBS), which means "Buddhist Strength Force."
The pastor, in response, explained to the mob that he has the right to religious freedom. However, the mob dragged the pastor and his wife from their home and physically assaulted them. The couple's 18-year-old daughter was also verbally abused.
Afterwards, the General Secretary of the BBS gathered the villagers outside the pastor's house and warned them against such "traitors." He threatened the same treatment for any villager supporting Christian worship.
Thank God for protecting this pastor and his family from serious harm. As they continue to serve their Saviour, pray that He will grant them courage in the face of very real risks. Ask that wisdom and strength be given to this pastor and other church leaders throughout Sri Lanka, as they often are targeted in acts of persecution. Please also remember the villagers and monks who launched this attack. May they hear the Good News and also come to faith in Jesus.
VOMC supports persecuted Christians in Sri Lanka as they witness for Christ in hostile environments through Biblical training, legal aid, and advocacy, as well as rehabilitation and emergency assistance.
Ethnicity (%) Sinhalese (74.9), Sri Lankan Tamil (11.2), Sri Lankan Moors (9.2), Indian Tamil (4.2), other (0.5)
Religion (%) Buddhism (70.2), Hinduism (12.6), Islam (9.7), Roman Catholic (6.1), Evangelical Christianity (2.0)
Leader President Gotabaya Rajapaksa (2019)
Government type Presidential republic
Legal system Mixed legal system of Roman-Dutch civil law, English common law, and Jaffna Tamil customary law
Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Sri Lanka
Let's unite our hearts in prayer for those in Sri Lanka who are being persecuted for their faith, thanking God for what He is accomplishing despite the opposition. Ask that His people will be encouraged, strengthened and equipped by the promises of the Bible – the Sword of the Spirit – knowing that He is watching over His Word to perform it (Ephesians 6:17; Jeremiah 1:12). May they not only overcome the strategies of the enemy, but also serve as effective witnesses to those in need of eternal salvation and deliverance from spiritual captivity.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Andreas Schwarzkopf (cc)
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