A village in Sri Lanka.
Photo: Flickr / Adam Jones
On October 16th, 2015, a mob of around 300 villagers in a remote area of Sri Lanka prevented a Christian family from performing a burial service at a public cemetery, declaring that the burial could only take place according to Hindu rituals. Unable to bury the body at the public cemetery, the pastor attempted to perform the burial on church grounds instead. The mob then entered the church premises by force, breaking the fence and setting fire to two motorbikes that were parked on the property. After the police obtained an order from the Magistrates Court, the family was forced to bury the body of their loved one outside the village at a cemetery 23 kilometres away.
Small crimes against Christian believers in Sri Lanka are not uncommon. Over the past three months, there have been reports of multiple incidences committed against believers, pastors, and their congregations. Those of the Kagelle District have been especially targeted. Three pastors and their congregations, in particular, have experienced strong opposition from neighbouring militants. They have been insulted verbally, had their properties burned, and undergone severe pressure to close their church doors.
In one incident, a sub-inspector from the area police station approached a pastor on his church premises and demanded to see the church's registration. The pastor, who has been ministering in the area for the past 18 years, never received any notification of required registration. According to the country's legal representatives, there is no such law regarding the registration of religious worship places in Sri Lanka. For previous reports on persecution in this country, please click here.
Let us lift our voices in prayer on behalf of these targeted Christian believers in Kagelle and other areas of Sri Lanka. As a result, may they be greatly encouraged and strengthened, knowing that they are being upheld in prayer and supported by their brothers and sisters in Christ. May they also be reminded of God's promise that though they are persecuted, they are not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed (2 Cor. 4:9). Pray for God's protection over their lives and for His intervention to take place in each of these situations. And as they boldly proclaim Jesus as Saviour and Lord, may those opposing them experience His loving kindness, mercy and salvation.
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