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India

• Attacks on Christians Continue in Madhya Pradesh

  A string of separate militant Hindu attacks against Christians in Madhya Pradesh, India over the past week demonstrate the continuing persecution in the area that often goes unpunished by police and local authorities.

  (a) On September 12, police in the Jabalpur district detained Assemblies of God pastor Venkatesh Kumar Sadhu after members of the Hindu militant organization, Bajrang Dal, accused him of attempted forced conversion. According to a September 15 report from Compass Direct, Sadhu had been visiting a home in the village of Ghama Thana and praying for a sick family member when the militants arrived. They attacked Sadhu and damaged his scooter. They then filed a complaint against him and had him taken to a local police station for questioning. The police admitted afterwards that Hindu militants were pressuring them to prosecute Christians such as Sadhu.

  (b) In a separate incident on September 10, VOMC sources report that members of Bajrang Dal also attacked a church in Mangwan for the second time in three weeks. The attack occurred at 10:00 a.m., while the thirty congregation members were engaged in a prayer and worship service. The Hindu militants told the Christians that there would be a bloodbath if they did not stop, but the congregation continued to worship Christ.

  A local Christian reported the incident to higher officials and police but the local authorities claimed that Christians are not legitimate citizens. Hence, even if persecution incidents such as these are reported, police authorities would not likely to come to their aid.

  (c) Also on September 10, police arrested Pastor Haroon Jonathan and several other Christian family members in the village of Bhargat after seventy militants interrupted a house church meeting and attacked the congregation. According to the September 15 report from Compass Direct, the attackers dragged Jonathan, his wife, and his in-laws out of the house and had them detained by police under accusations of "hurting religious sentiments, prompting religious animosity and 'forced conversion'" under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sections 3 and 4 of the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act.

  The police claim to have a tape recording of Jonathan urging people to get rid of idols and pictures of Hindi deities. A local person claimed that the Christians had encouraged villagers to eat beef (which is forbidden for Hindus) and told people that those who worship Hindu gods and goddesses would die. The four accused Christians have been released on bail.

  (d) In another incident on September 10, a mob of about forty Hindu militants attacked approximately fifteen Christians in Balaghat City who were worshipping in the house of a Christian convert, Rekha Bai Kawde. The mob accused the Christians of forcibly converting Hindus and took Kawde and two evangelists - Durga Prasad Vanshpal and a man identified only as Niware - to the police station where they were detained.

  Compass Direct reported on September 15 that Kawde was pressured by police to give a statement claiming that the Christians had forcibly converted her and broken Hindu idols. The police apparently threatened to burn her house down and kill her son if she did not do as they asked. At last report, the three arrested Christians are still in jail.

  Ask God to give believers throughout Madhya Pradesh the patience to entrust true justice into the hands of God and respond to persecution with kindness, love and prayer (Romans 12:17-21). Thank God for giving the congregation in Mangwan the strength to remain faithful. Pray that they will continue to encourage each other to keep their eyes on their eternal reward (Hebrews 12:1-3). Ask God to give the words that they need to those who are being detained (Matthew 10:19). Pray that God will deliver them from their accusers.

  For more information on the persecution facing Christians in India,click here. Various video reports from India are available on VOMC's multimedia website, www.vomcanada.com.

• Pastor's House Demolished in Orissa

  According to VOMC sources in India, conflicts within the Good Shepherd Community Church in Manikeswari near Raikia, Orissa has resulted in the destruction of the pastor's house and false charges of rape against the pastor.

  Pastor Karnel Nayak had been the pastor of the church for several years. Recently, Angad Naik, a local member, determined to drive the pastor out by starting his own church with several other disgruntled church members. When this did not force Pastor Nayak to leave, Naik sought the help of Hindu militants in the area. The militants demolished the pastor's home on September 8. Fearing charges could be laid, Naik allegedly bribed a church member to accuse Pastor Nayak of raping her.

  Medical tests have proven the rape charges are false and it is expected that Pastor Nayak will be released on bail on September 21. However, a police official has reportedly said that Nayak's life could be in danger if he is released, since many in the community continue to be angry with him. Meanwhile, police have charged nineteen people in connection with the destruction of the pastor's home.

  Pray that truth would prevail and that Pastor Nayak and his congregation will confidently trust the Great Judge with the outcome of this situation (I Peter 5:1-4). Pray that the Lord will keep him and his family safe from harm.

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in India,click here. Visit https://www.vomcanada.com/ to view video news reports on India.

• Church Leaders Face Persecution in Karnataka

  Several attacks in recent days in the Indian state of Karnataka demonstrate the difficulties facing Christian leaders in India, according to two reports on September 8 from Compass Direct.

  On September 1, Pastor John Prabhu was at a home in Bangalore, praying for a church member's newborn child when as many as twenty-five Hindu militants dragged him from the meeting, beat him, and took him to a nearby Hindu temple. There they forced the Assembly of God pastor to kneel before the temple idols. He was then taken to the local police station where he was detained for several hours for questioning. The mob accused Prabhu of involvement in attempted forced conversions.

  Two days later, on September 3, a 60-year-old evangelist from the Subramanaya district was robbed and beaten when he was ambushed on a dark country road. Varghese Thomas had started a small congregation in the village of Guttigar when some of the local Hindus began questioning some of his co-workers about reports of conversions to Christianity taking place. Sensing potential trouble, a meeting was called between Thomas and his accusers by Jyothi Premananda, a member of the local village council. As Thomas was traveling to the meeting, he saw an apparent motorcycle accident and stopped to see if the driver was injured. When he bent over the driver, the "victim" suddenly blew chili powder into Thomas' eyes. Fifteen Hindu militants then jumped from the bushes and began beating him with sticks as his wife, Leelama, watched helplessly from their vehicle. One of the attackers came up to the vehicle and told her they would both face a cruel death if they continued preaching in Guttigar. Though a police report was filed, no charges have been laid. Despite accusations of tricking people into coming to prayer meetings on the promise of a better life, Thomas insists that he had never used financial or material assistance to pressure people to come to Christ.

  The logo of the Mar Thoma Church

  On the same day, two pastors of the Mar Thoma mission in the coastal town of Akkiallur were arrested following an attack by approximately 150 Hindu protestors. Santosh George and Madhu Mohan were leading a house church meeting when the mob ordered them from the house. The mob, accompanied by reporters and police, demanded that the pastors bring out all their Bibles and literature, which they confiscated as "evidence" that the pastors were forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity in surrounding villages. The two have been released on bail but a hearing is scheduled for September 16.

  Pray that Pastor John Prabhu will have boldness and wisdom as he continues the work God has given him (1 Peter 5:1-4, Ephesians 6:18-20). Pray that God will bring about justice for Evangelist Varghese Thomas (Psalm 140). Pray that he and his wife will be protected from future attacks. Pray that God will give Santosh George and Madhu Mohan the words they need as they stand before their accusers on September 16 (Matthew 10:19).

  For more information on the persecution facing Christians in India,click here. Video reports on the persecution of Christians in India are also available on VOMC's multimedia website, https://www.vomcanada.com/.

• Bible School Students and Leaders Arrested

  Pastor P.R. Anthony, Pastor Reji K. Sunny and five students were taken by police from the Christian Education Institute in Katuwa in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir on August 31. According to the All India Christian Council, they were charged with "abetting conversions" under section 109 of the Indian Penal Code.

  A local Christian leader believes that the militant Hindu organizations Bajrang Dal and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are responsible for the arrests in an effort to shut down the Bible school. The school has been operating in Katuwa for many years and there are presently twenty-five students. The seven have been released on bail and are scheduled to appear in court on September 16.

  Pray that these believers will keep their eyes on Jesus, finding their encouragement and strength in Him (Hebrews 10:32-39; 12:1-3). Pray that they will rely on the Lord to give them wisdom as they stand in court on September 16 (Matthew 10:19).

  For more information on the persecution facing India's Christian community,click here.

• Town Bans Promotion of Any Religion Except Hinduism

  Shrine to Hindu god, Venkateshwara

  Each year, millions of pilgrims journey to the town of Tirupati in the Chitoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India to visit its sacred Hindu sites. Especially prominent is the nearby shrine to the Hindu god, Lord Venkateshwara in the hills of Tirumala. According to an August 21 report from the Hindustan Times, a number of Hindu pilgrims complained to authorities after Christians were found preaching near the shrine and handing out pamphlets. The state government has responded by introducing legislation that would ban the propagation of any faith other than Hinduism in the area. If the legislation is passed, those preaching any other religion could face imprisonment and fines of 2000 rupees ($48.00 CAN). Those attempting to convert people to religions other than Hinduism could be imprisoned for two years.

  While India is officially a secular nation, the dominance of Hinduism affects many aspects of the culture and is the basis for anti-conversion legislation in several Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh. A state legislation that only allows for the preaching of Hinduism, however, completely contradicts India's secular constitution.

  Pray that, like the first century Christians, Indian Christians will actually become bolder witnesses because of the increased persecution (Acts 4:29-31). Pray that they will respond with love and compassion toward those who oppose them (Romans 12:17-21). Pray that those who are working to enforce anti-conversion laws will be saved by God's grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in India,click here.

• Pastor Forced From Home for Not Bowing to Hindu Gods On the evening of August 21, a group of militant Hindus broke into the home of Pastor Joseph (50) in the village of Kodambi in Karnataka state. The attackers accused him of not bowing before the Hindu gods and of converting Hindus to Christianity. They hauled him and all his possessions to a police station twenty miles away where police took him into custody but released him after a short time.

  Pastor Chandrakanth

  Two Christian leaders in the area, Pastor Johnson and David Chacko, heard of the attack and wanted to help resolve the issue. As the men were leaving for the police station on August 23, they were severely beaten and dragged to the police station where they were detained for a short time. Militants also chased an evangelist named Pastor Chandrakanth from the village and have been searching for other evangelists. Chandrakanth has taken shelter in a nearby city so he can continue his evangelistic work, despite the opposition.

  Pray that these pastors will remain faithful to the task to which God has called them (1 Peter 5:1-4). Pray that they will rest in the knowledge that God is in control and has their best interests in mind (Jeremiah 29:11). Pray that the Holy Spirit will work through their testimony to bring the persecutors to Himself (Romans 12:14, 21, Matthew 5:14-16).

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in India,click here.

• Christians Arrested on Forcible Conversion Charges in Madhya Pradesh

  In two separate incidents in the past week, mobs of Hindu militants had Christians arrested on charges of forcible conversion in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

  On August 14, Pastor Shaun Kushwaha asked Pastor Vinod Karsal to come and pray for him before he underwent surgery. According to an August 16 report from Compass Direct, as they were praying together in Kushwaha's house in Jabalpur, neighbours gathered together as many as fifty Hindu militants outside. Hearing the ruckus, the pastors hid a Bible before the mob could enter. The house was searched but when no Christian literature was found, they began to search Karsal's scooter. In the confusion, the mob planted evangelistic tracts on the vehicle and then accused him of coercing people into converting to Christianity. When Karsal was taken to the police station, two false witnesses accused him of offering them money to convert. Pastor Karsal has been charged under Madhya Pradesh's anti-conversion legislation

  On August 20, shortly after the worship service of the Sheopur Bible Fellowship Church in Shivpuri, approximately fifteen Hindu militants attacked four Christians including Pastor K.K. Jwala. The militants beat the Christians with field hockey sticks and dragged to the local police station where they were charged under the state's anti-conversion legislation. According to an August 22 report from Compass Direct, one of the attackers alleged that he had been offered a job if he would convert to Christianity. The four Christians were remanded in custody but released the next day. They have been ordered to appear in court on August 30.

  Pray that Pastor Karsal will be acquitted of all charges. Pray that the believers in Shivpuri who are to appear in court will rest in the fact that the Holy Spirit will direct their testimony (Matthew 10:19).  Pray that they will set Christ apart as Lord without giving in to fear of those who falsely accuse them (1 Peter 3:13-17).

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in India,click here.

• Hindu Militants Threaten Orphanage Staff and Children

  House of Hope orphanages are throughout India

  On the night of August 5, more than fifty Hindu militants stormed the House of Hope orphanage in Dantewara, Chhattisgarh state in an attempt to forcibly close it. According to VOMC sources, the mob was armed with clubs and bamboo sticks. They beat the director, Suresh (35), and threatened to kill him if he continues with the orphanage. They also questioned and threatened several of the children.

  Suresh is presently in treatment for his injuries. Efforts to lodge a police complaint have failed.

  Ask the Heavenly Father to defend these children (Psalm 10:17, 18). Pray that the perpetrators of this crime will know Christ's love, forgiveness and blessing through the lives of the Christians (Matthew 5:43-44, Romans 12:14, 21). Ask God to restore evangelist Suresh's health so that he can continue the ministry God has given him.

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in India,click here.

• Situation Improves for Emmanuel Mission International

  Archbishop M.A. Thomas and son Samuel Thomas

  Bail for Archbishop M.A. Thomas and his son Samuel Thomas, the leaders of Emmanuel Mission International, was extended by the Rajasthan High Court on August 7. The court also restored the registration of five of the mission’s institutions and unfroze EMI bank accounts. The court also ordered the Social Welfare Department to pull its officials out of the EMI orphanage in Kota district.
• Oppression Against Christians Continues

  Several incidents in recent days exemplify the severe oppression facing Christians throughout India. As the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh tighten their anti-conversion legislation, Christians in areas throughout the country face charges and violence because of their faith and testimony for Christ.

  In late July, Pastor Venketesh was forced to flee his village of Soulanga in the Indian state of Karnataka after he was attacked by Hindu militants and threatened by the police inspector. Venketesh was forced to flee without his wife and fifteen-day-old child. When he filed a police report on the incident, as many as three hundred protestors retaliated by going to his home on August 6 and threatening to kill his wife Manjula and the baby if they did not leave the village within four days.

  According to a report on http://www.konkaniworld.com/, Father Thomas P.T. from St. Michael's Church in Jhapadra, Madhya Pradesh was arrested on July 21 on charges related to the state's anti-conversion legislation. The charges relate to false accusations that the Catholic school in the area was giving free tuition to students who convert to Christianity. Similar accusations have been made in the past and dismissed as false.

  On July 24, two Catholic priests, Soby Thomas and Vinod Kanat, were ambushed by a gang of youths wielding sticks and cricket bats. Both men were taken to hospital because of their injuries. Father Thomas required stitches for a head wound. There have been five arrests.

  On July 29, four young women from the Good Shepherd Community Church were abused and then taken to the police station for showing a film on Christ in the village of Chinnamalpuram in Tamil Nadu. No police report was filed against the four.

  Pray for protection for Pastor Venketesh and his family. Pray that they will stand firm in the midst of their suffering (Psalm 40:1-2). Pray for all those facing legal troubles because of their testimony for Christ. Pray that they will have the words needed to answer their accusers (Luke 12:11-12).

  For more information on the persecution facing Christians in India,click here. A recent video report on the persecution in India can be viewed on VOMC's multimedia website, www.vomcanada.com.