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India

• Pastor Beaten During Church Service

  A pastor in Uttar Pradesh state was recently attacked and beaten during a church service. Near the end of the service, a group of Hindu men attacked Pastor "Caleb" by tying him to a tree and beating him. The attackers, who apparently were directed by Hindu leaders in the village, broke Pastor Caleb's arm during the beating.

  VOM partners are helping to provide him with medical treatment, while also urging police to prosecute the attackers. Pastor Caleb's church had been threatened in the past by high caste families. It is understood that about five Christian families who have faithfully remained with the church had angered villagers by refusing to offer a gift to a Hindu goddess.

  A group from the village also became angry when the Christian families refused to help with the wedding of a high caste family's daughter. Despite the recent attack, Pastor "Caleb" plans on continuing his ministry service in this volatile community. To learn more about the challenges faced by believers in this part of the world, please go to the India Country Report.

  While we are thankful to the Lord for Pastor Caleb's faithfulness and willingness to continue in ministry, we also pray that he will be completely healed of the afflictions imposed on him during the attack. May the loving concern and assistance of our VOM partners serve to further encourage and strengthen this dedicated man of God. As a result of his faithfulness, may many others be spurred on to preach the Gospel (Philippians 1:14) and win others for Christ.

• Pastor Released After Years of Confinement

  Pastor Samuel Photo: Gospel for Asia

  Following eight years of detainment due to false accusations, Pastor Samuel was joyfully released on March 13th. Although he was cleared of all the charges back in 2010, strikes and delayed court hearings had greatly hindered his release. Throughout this time, however, he continued ministering to the other prisoners. Thankfully, many of them made decisions for Christ as a result! Pastor Samuel's family, including his wife and 8-year-old daughter, are rejoicing over his final return home. Pray that God will immensely bless this reunited family, while continuing the wonderful work of faith that has begun in the lives of the prisoners. For an historical overview of this country, go to the India Country Report.

• Christian Villagers Assaulted by Angry Mob

  Pray for the safety of women being harassed for their faith in India. Photo: Flickr / Michael Foley

  On January 14th, three Christian women were attacked by Hindu extremists in Tamsai village (located near Navi, Mumbai). The incident took place while they were washing clothes at a public well. It all began because the 12-year-old daughter of one of the Christian women listened to Gospel songs on a mobile phone, causing the other villagers nearby to become irritated. These angry people protested that Christian music should not be played within their hearing range.

  Eventually, the number of enraged villagers increased, developing into a mob of about 50 people. After gathering near the houses of the Christian women, those in the mob physically assaulted them. Apparently, the Hindu extremists of Tamsai are strongly opposed to the use of Christian worship during healing services. Yet despite their anti-Christian actions, and the resulting violence against believers, it has been reported that many Hindus in the vicinity are coming to Christ. For more about the situation in India, please go to the India Country Report.

  Pray that God will protect and bless the Christians of Tamsai village, and that His divine healing touch would minister powerfully to the women who were injured in the attack. May these believers have the assurance that God is their refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Let's also remember to pray for the salvation and spiritual deliverance of the Hindu extremists...that they, too, would experience a radical change of heart through the power of Christ's unfailing love.

• Extremists Attack Satellite Church in Bangalore

  

  It has just been brought to our attention by VOM partners in India that Hindu extremists recently attacked a satellite church that was working among the extremely poor in Bangalore. The perpetrators entered the church while the service was taking place. Thankfully, most of those who participated in the service had safely escaped, with the exception of two church workers who were badly beaten.

  To date, the police have not registered a complaint due to their concern over political ramifications. However, they have assured the pastor that strong policing tactics will be used so the extremists won't attack the church again. (Note other reports on India that are included in the India Country Report.)

  Please keep this Bangalore pastor and congregation in prayer, including the two men who were injured in the attack. May the landlord who rents the premises to the church not withdraw permission for it to carry on. Last, but not least, please intercede for the perpetrators and others in the community who desperately need God's mercy, forgiveness and eternal salvation.

• Tribal Christians Brutally Beaten

  Pray that the perpetrators will come to know the Lord.

  As a result of two recent attacks by Hindu extremists, more than 100 Christian villagers have been forced to flee from Tamsai (in Thane District of Maharashtra State) for "rejecting their tribal identity." Apparently, the Hindu nationalists involved in the attacks were angered that these converts to Christianity no longer practised their traditional tribal religions. Equally alarming is the fact that about 20 police officers failed to intervene, but rather passively stood by, prompting concern of anti-Christian bias being represented by the police force.

  The first brutal assault took place on December 30th when the believers did not participate in a festival celebrating a tribal deity. Many of these victims fled from their homes after being beaten with wooden clubs. More recently, a large mob of extremists physically assaulted a group of Christians who met to worship in a private home. Prior to these attacks, local Christians were receiving unfair treatment from their neighbours by being denied access to water, firewood and their monthly supply of grains at the local ration shop. To learn more about the challenges experienced by fellow believers in India, check the India Country Report.

  Pray that God's perfect love will drive out all fear from the hearts of these suffering tribal Christians. Ask Him to bring healing and comfort to them, especially after experiencing brutal attacks of persecution. May those in authority uphold and properly defend the religious rights of all citizens in this area, serving as a catalyst of peace between the different faith groups.

• Update: Court Sentences Perpetrators of Violent Attacks in Odisha (Orissa)

  Damages from the 2008 violence

  On November 27th, a total of 12 people were sentenced to six years' imprisonment for their involvement in the horrific communal violence committed against Christians in the Kandhamal district on August 25th of 2008. These violent acts included arson, rioting and the torching of houses in Jarkinaju village, attributing to about a hundred deaths and the displacement of more than 50,000 people. It is considered the worst single outbreak of anti-Christian violence in the history of post-independence India. For more on the status of Christians in this country, go to the India Country Report.

  While it seems that justice is being meted out, the overwhelming majority of cases relating to the 2008 events have either been dismissed or resulted in acquittals, including many murder cases. Human rights defenders in the area are continuing in their vigil, pointing out significant flaws in the court's rulings. David Griffiths, South Asia Team Leader for CSW, concludes that this is important as the victims not only deserve justice, but also because "the rule of law is the essential foundation for peace."

  On behalf of the many surviving victims of these terrible atrocities, may the "Prince of Peace" continue to bring healing, restoration and the hope of a brighter future; a future filled with His ongoing presence and provision as they rebuild their lives. And in accordance to Scripture, we must pray for their persecutors who are also greatly in need God's touch upon their lives. May they, too, be drawn to the "Light of Jesus" and, as a result, come to repentance...acknowledging their need of Jesus as Saviour before it's too late.

• Christians facing opposition in Karnataka

  In Karnataka state, a mob of about 20 Hindu extremists beat a pastor to unconsciousness. While he was hospitalized with resulting head and neck injuries, as well as broken ribs, the assailants returned the next morning to further harm him. The relentless attacks left Pastor Samuel Kim in serious condition. Guards are now posted outside of his hospital room so he can safely recover.

  Meanwhile, a Christian-run child-development centre in the state that was accused of forcefully converting Hindu children to Christianity has resumed operations. A local politician levelled the accusations, but the centre re-opened in late October after the Hindu parents of the children who attend the centre met with the accusers and denied allegations.

  Please pray that the escalation of attacks will cease and that the unreached people will have opportunities to hear the Good News and receive God's salvation. Also pray that those hurt in these attacks will experience complete healing.

  Go to the India Country Report to learn more about our persecuted brothers and sisters in this part of the world.

• Attackers target prayer meeting

  A group of Christians in Maharashtra state were recently beaten up and accused of forcibly converting people. Hindu fundamentalists attacked a prayer meeting and a number of Christians, including women and children, were beaten. One man was hospitalized.

  Hindu leaders persuaded the Christians not to lodge a complaint -- for the sake of community peace -- but later accused the church's pastor, Ruzi D'souza, and other church leaders of being involved in forcible conversions -- a common accusation against the Church in India. On the basis of these claims, local police subsequently arrested 11 Christians.

  The Hindu activists reportedly returned to the pastor's home during the night and attacked those present, causing further injuries.

  Pray that the Lord will heal the injured. Ask God to take away any fear the believers may be feeling and instead give them a spirit of faithfulness and unity in Christ Jesus. Pray that the accusers will see that the message of the gospel is a free gift, not by coercion, and respond in faith to Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).

  Go to the India Country Report to learn more about our persecuted brothers and sisters in India.

• Christians attacked and arrested during baptisms

  Pray that the perpetrators will come to know the Lord.

  About 20 Christians celebrating a baptism were attacked and beaten by Hindu militants before being arrested by local police. The Christians, including 10 believers who were being baptized, were accosted by members of Hindu nationalist groups in the district of Balasore, Odisha (formerly called Orissa) state. The militants burst into the ceremony, beating and insulting the minister, Jayaram Marandi, as well as those gathered. Police then forced the 20 Christians onto a truck to detain them for interrogation.

  The Orissa Freedom of Religion Act includes anti-conversion laws that prohibit conversions that occur "through force, coercion or fraud." Since these laws allow the government to conduct investigations into conversions, they are often abused to excuse the persecution of Christians.

  Please pray that the believers, including those who were just baptized, will find strength in their identity as God's beloved children (Romans 8:15). Please pray that those who persecute Christians will be brought to justice and that they will receive God's forgiveness and hope.

  To learn more about the suffering Church in India, please visit the India Country Report.

• Restrictions on religious freedom struck down

  Himachal Pradesh High Court in India Photo: India_2012 / Flickr

  The Himachal Pradesh High Court in India has struck down a law which made it compulsory for those seeking to convert from his or her religion to give a 30-day notice to the District Magistrate before conversion. The verdict in the landmark anti-conversion case challenged both the Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act of 2006 and Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Rules of 2007.

  The Court also struck down rules making it mandatory for the state to inquire into every religious conversion. These rules did not provide sufficient safeguards outlining the time frame for such an inquiry or even who should conduct the inquiry. Unfortunately, many other provisions restricting religious freedom will stand.

  Praise the Lord for the Evangelical Fellowship of India and the legal team who fought for these freedoms. Please pray that India will continue to recognize and respect the religious freedom of citizens to worship, gather together, and evangelize. Pray that, in the meantime, Christians in India will be bold in their faith despite threat of persecution.

  To learn more about the suffering Church in India, please visit the India Country Report.