In two separate instances during the month of June, pastors and other Christians in Sri Lanka faced threats and intimidation from other villagers. One of those cases resulted in the injury of two women.
On June 9th, the pastor of the Jesus Christ Testimony Church in Commanthurai was travelling with his wife to visit some congregants when they were stopped by a man who warned the pastor to not build a church as planned. The man claimed that he and others had recently burned down another church and would do the same if the prospective building was constructed. The pastor later received a phone call, reiterating the threat.
In another case, a pastor and his wife, joined by two other Christians from the Smyrna Church in Padinnoruwa, were walking to a birthday party on June 15th when they were accosted by five villagers. Despite the threats and obscenities, the Christians attempted to continue walking. The opposing group, however, began hurling stones at them, injuring the pastor's wife and another woman. The incident has been reported to the police.
Pray for the believers in Sri Lanka as they face continuing intimidation and violence. May the knowledge of God's presence be very evident to them, providing needed strength and encouragement. Ask Him to enable the Christians to shine the light of His glory to their oppressors, also revealing the unfathomable love of Jesus through their actions and responses.
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