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• Anti-Christian attacks spread across India

  The violence in Orissa sparked by the recent assassination of Hindu leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati has emboldened Hindu militants in nearby states to launch attacks on Christians.

  On September 5, four members of Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity order were attacked by approximately 20 Bajrang Dal activists at the Durgh train station in Chhattisgarh state. The two nuns and two helpers were forced off the train and handed over to police officers by a mob chanting anti-Christian slogans. They were accused of the "kidnapping and forced conversion" of four babies between one and two years old whom they were transporting (with proper documentation) from Raipur to the Shishu Bhava charity centre in Bhopal. The nuns were detained overnight and the babies taken to a government hospital. At last report, the children have still not been returned to the sisters.

  St. Bartholomew Church after the destruction Photo fromGCIC

  On September 7, the 86-year-old St. Bartholomew Church building was burned down in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh. Although the church watchman has accepted blame for the arson attack, local Christians argue that the police are protecting the Hindu militant groups truly responsible. In Kolar district, Karnataka, Hindu militants stormed into another church building, tore up Bibles, hymnals and curtains, and beat several members present. The militants seized the pastor and took him to a nearby temple where he was pressured into observing Hindu rituals. He was released only after he gave the militants a written declaration stating that he would not return to the village or continue any church activities.

  Pray that Christians under attack will know God's care and provision. Pray for Christians to be strong in the face of pressure to deny Christ. Pray that the international community will voice deep concern for the Christians in India who are being persecuted for their faith (Proverbs 31:8-9).

  To learn more about the situation Christians face in India, click here.

• Christians continue to be terrorized by Hindu militants in Orissa

  The violence against Christians in Orissa, India has continued into its second week following the assassination of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati on August 23 (click here for more) with no immediate end in sight. According to a September 4 report from the Evangelical Fellowship of India, the Christian death toll has reached 42.

  Relief camps in Orissa have been targeted by militants attempting to poison water supplies. Six Christians became ill in a relief camp in the town of Raikia after drinking poisoned water and there have been reports of similar attempts in other state camps. Several reports of Christians being threatened with violence if they refuse to convert to Hinduism have also been received.

  As members of one Body, please remember India's Christians in your prayers. Pray that, as sufferings overflow, their comfort in Christ will be more than enough for them (2 Corinthians 1:5). Ask God to bring peace and restoration to this area.

  To view a recent investigative report by the Indian television broadcaster IBN, click here. For more information on India's persecuted Christians, go toIndia's Country Report.

• Anti-Christian violence erupts in Orissa, India

  Anti-Christian violence erupts in Orissa, India

  Widespread mob violence against the Christian community in Orissa state began on August 24 following the assassination of World Hindu Council (VHP) leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati on the evening of August 23. Saraswati, the leader allegedly responsible for inciting attacks on Christians in Orissa's Kandhamal district last Christmas, was killed along with four of his followers when approximately 30 armed men stormed a religious centre in Kandhamal district and opened fire. Despite evidence indicating that Maoists are responsible for Saraswati's murder, several Hindu militant groups have blamed Christians. As a result, Hindu militants have launched attacks on Christians throughout the state, setting buildings on fire and beating and killing believers in at least 12 districts. The Voice of the Martyrs has been receiving numerous reports from various sources on this developing crisis. At present, it is difficult to know the full extent of what is happening in Orissa.

  Churches, mission buildings and schools throughout the state have been damaged, ransacked or destroyed in the attacks. Militants set fire to a social centre in the village of Nuagaon, Kandhamal district after gang-raping a nun who was at the facility. The Bethel Association, an orphanage in the district of Rayagada, was burned to the ground.

  

  The mission was home to 150 children, many of them from families who have suffered persecution for their faith. In Bargarh district, another orphanage was torched and a young woman was burned alive after she was thrown inside the building when she tried to protect the children. At least 20 churches have reportedly been destroyed, but the extent of the damage has not been ascertained as reports continue to be released from the affected regions.

  Attacks on Christian homes and shops

  150 houses belonging to Christians have been reportedly burned to the ground by militants in the village of Rupagaon, Kandhamal alone. A paralyzed man was unable to escape his burning house and was killed. Houses have also been ransacked, pelted with stones and vandalized throughout the state. Christian-owned shops have been torched and looted. Many Christians have fled their homes and are seeking refuge in the jungle.

  Although police have attempted to protect Christians and end the attacks in Orissa, the violence has continued to occur. Militant groups have blocked roads with logs in order to keep the police away. Christian groups continue to beseech government authorities to intervene and end the violence.

  Pray that law and order will be restored in Orissa state. Pray that those responsible for these attacks will be brought to justice. Ask God to give strength to Christians in Orissa state to remain steadfast in their faith in this time of severe suffering (1 Peter 5:8-10). Pray for those who have lost loved ones and property in the riots.

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, go to the India Country Report.

• Priest martyred in Andhra Pradesh, India

  Father Thomas Pandipally Photo fromGCIC

  Catholic priest Thomas Pandipally (38) was tortured and killed in Nizamabad District, Andhra Pradesh, India on the night of August 16. On Sunday, August 17, a group of nuns travelling to the church found Pandipally's body on the road. He suffered more than 30 stab injuries and was hit in the head with sticks and boulders. According to Anthoniraj Thumma, the executive secretary of Andhra Pradesh Federation of Churches, Christians are viewed as a threatening influence in the community.

  Pray for those who are grieving the loss of Thomas Pandipally. Pray for the Christians in India and ask God to give them strength. Pray also for those who tortured and killed Pandipally; pray that they will come to know Christ's love, forgiveness and blessing through the lives of Christians (Romans 12:14, 21).

  For more information on persecution in India, go to theIndia Country Report.

• Pastor and believers attacked in Karnataka

  On August 10, Hindu militants attacked a group of Christians gathered for worship in Rona, Gadag district, Karnataka. Pastor Samuel Philip (30) was forewarned about a possible attack and, as a result, police protection was provided. However, when the police returned to their station, the militants attacked the believers present. Six people have been arrested for attacking the congregation.

  On August 11, approximately twenty members of the Shivasainya Youth Association Hindu militant group attacked a prayer meeting in the village of Emmanabettur and beat the believers present. Pastor Rajendra Gowda and Pastor Kumara were stripped, placed in a van and taken to a local police station. On route, they were also assaulted by the militants. They have been charged with deliberately and maliciously intending to outrage the religious feelings of others.

  Pray for healing for those injured in these attacks. Pray that increased persecution will result in increased boldness among the believers (Acts 4:29-31). Ask God to work in the hearts of militants in India, drawing them to Himself.

  For more information on the challenges facing India's Christians, go to the India Country Report.

• Hindu Militants Attack Christians in Karnataka

  

  Several Christians were attacked by Hindu militants in the state of Karnataka, India in recent weeks.

  On July 13, Hindu militants disrupted a morning worship service at the Full Gospel Assembly Church in the village of Harapanahalli Taluk, Davangere district and beat believers present. Pastor Prakash Nayak and an evangelist, Kari Basappa, were severely injured. The militants also destroyed Bibles and song books in the attack.

  On July 20, another church in the same district, the Gypsy Prayer Hall, was attacked by a group of Hindu militants. At approximately 12:30 p.m., the militants stormed into the church during a worship service and shouted insults and threats at believers present. Bibles and song books were burned. They dragged Pastor Naik (48) and two other believers outside and beat them. The three were then taken to the local police station where they were accused of forcibly converting Hindus.

  Also on July 20, approximately twenty Hindu militants stormed into the Friends Mission Prayer Band Church in the village of Konvallichawla, Haveri district during a worship service and assaulted Pastor Abraham. The militants also destroyed Christian literature, including Bibles. They took Pastor Abraham to a local police station, planning to have him arrested, but he collapsed as a result of his injuries and was hospitalized.

  Pray for healing for those injured in these attacks. Ask God to bless the ministry of these and other Christian workers spreading the Gospel in India. Pray that the Lord will work in the lives of the persecutors and lead them to faith in Christ.

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, go to theIndia Country Report.

• Christians Beaten, Accused of Forcible Conversion in India

  There were at least three incidents of attacks against Christians in India in recent weeks.

  At approximately 1:00 p.m on July 5, four Hindu militants attacked an evangelist, Shyam Kumar (22), while he was distributing Gospel tracts to the poor in the village of Baswapur, Andhra Pradesh. The militants falsely accused him of forcibly converting people and severely beat him, rendering him unconscious. He was later found by a friend and hospitalized for his injuries.

  On July 10, Pastor A. Jayrag was assaulted by Hindu militants who opposed local authorities' decision to grant him permission to build a church in the village of Dandu Mylavaram, Andhra Pradesh. At approximately 9:00 p.m., the assailants barged into the house of the pastor and dragged him outside. He was beaten, kicked, accused of forcibly converting people and warned of dire consequences if he continued to preach the Gospel in the village.

  Ms. Prabhavati (27) and Ms. D. Malleswary Photo fromGCIC

  Two Christian women, Ms. Prabhavati (27) and Ms. D. Malleswary (24), were arrested on false charges of forcible conversion in the town of Vivek Nagar, Bangalore on July 12. At approximately 2:00 p.m., Hindu militants came to the women's church and asked them for Christian tracts. As soon as they received the tracts, however, the militants accused the two believers of forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity. Police arrested the women and detained them at a local jail where they were ordered to remain for 13 days.

  Pray for healing for those who were injured in these attacks. Pray for the release of imprisoned believers. Ask God to strengthen the Body of Christ in India to stand in His grace as it faces continual pressure from Hindu militants (1 Peter 5:10-12).

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

• Pastors Attacked, Accused of Forcible Conversion

  Pastor Murugan (65) was beaten by Hindu militants who ambushed him and two other believers while returning home from a prayer meeting in Moodalpalya, Karnataka on June 24. The other two managed to flee and escape any harm. The militants accused the pastor of forcibly converting people and "spoiling the minds of the children" and took him to the local police station where he was detained.

  On June 26, Hindu militants barged into the home of a local believer in Hubli, Karnataka, shouted curses at the Christians gathered for a prayer meeting and beat Pastor Vinod Talakere. They dragged the pastor and another believer to the local police station where the men were detained on accusations of forcibly converting people and kidnapping local girls and enrolling them in Bible college.

  Pray for the release of these pastors. Ask God to bless their ministry and the work of other Christians spreading the Gospel in India.

  For more information on persecution of Christians in India, go to theIndia Country Report.

• Pastor Attacked in Madhya Pradesh

  Pastor Rampal Masih was attacked by Hindu militants while leading a morning church service in the town of Gurh, Madhya Pradesh on June 15. At approximately 11:30 a.m. militants gathered outside the church building and began to shout curses at the 70 believers present. Five of the militants forcibly entered the church, dragged Pastor Masih outside and beat him. When some of the church members rescued the pastor, the militants fled to the local police station. Later that day, the militants returned with two police officers and another group of militants. They ordered Pastor Masih to come outside of the building and when he did, they beat him for a second time. Before leaving the premises, the attackers threatened to set fire to the church.

  Pray for healing for Pastor Masih. Pray that he and his congregation will grow in Christlikeness through the ongoing opposition they face (James 1:2-4). Pray that the faithfulness of Indian Christians will be a light that draws others to Christ.

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, go to the India Country Report.

• Christian Couple Beaten by Hindu Militants in Madhya Pradesh

  Shankaral Saket and his wife were severely beaten by Hindu militants in Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh on May 27. Both believers were seriously injured and Saket required 20 stitches on his head. The attackers were angered by Saket's conversion to Christianity four years ago.

  Pray for healing for Saket and his wife. Ask God to strengthen Christians in India to continue to share their faith in Christ despite attacks from militants who oppose the Gospel (Matthew 28:18-20).

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, go to theIndia Country Report.