Acts of Vandalism Disrupt Pastors' Convention

The inside of a church building shows crosses at the back of the stage, two flower arrangements and chairs arranged, ready for a gathering.
A church building in Sri Lanka.
Photo: VOMC

Pastors from the Foursquare Church recently gathered at their denominational campground in the Puttalam District of Sri Lanka for an annual convention. At around 1 a.m. on January 25th, a group of unidentified individuals entered the camp and began vandalizing the property.

Windows from four vehicles, including a bus and two vans, were smashed. In addition, a bottle containing gasoline was ignited and thrown into the bus. When conference attendees heard the ruckus and rushed to the scene, the perpetrators immediately fled the area. A police investigation into the incident is presently underway.

This is not the first time the property has been targeted by militants. During the construction of the camp facility, opponents threw stones at the building site and burned down the workers' huts. To review previously posted reports addressing the violence perpetrated against our Christian brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka, go to our country report.

Pray that these pastors and their congregations will be granted wisdom, as well as the necessary provisions, as they now deal with the aftermath of the vandalism attacks. May the same apply to other Christians in Sri Lanka who have faced similar opposition because of their faith. Ask the Lord to ensure the country's believers are kept safe and secure whenever they gather for worship and teaching, attend conventions, and/or participate in discipleship programs. May these believers receive the practical support and spiritual encouragement they need so they can continue faithfully serving as "lights" amid the darkness around them.

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    Population
    23,326,272 (2023 est.)

    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)

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    Ranil Wickremesinghe (July 2022)

    Government type
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    Mixed legal system of Roman-Dutch civil law, English common law, and Jaffna Tamil customary law

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  • 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.

Sri Lanka News

  • Acts of Vandalism Disrupt Pastors' Convention
    The inside of a church building shows crosses at the back of the stage, two flower arrangements and chairs arranged, ready for a gathering.
    A church building in Sri Lanka.
    Photo: VOMC

    Pastors from the Foursquare Church recently gathered at their denominational campground in the Puttalam District of Sri Lanka for an annual convention. At around 1 a.m. on January 25th, a group of unidentified individuals entered the camp and began vandalizing the property.