Sri Lanka (MNN) ― Gospel For Asia is raising the alarm over the latest restrictions in Sri Lanka.
A new law restricts noise levels after 10 p.m. GFA's Sri Lanka head calls it a direct attack on late-night prayer meetings, adding that it was introduced by a politician extremist who is responsible for violence against Christians.
"We are desperately praying for peace in our country," wrote Lal Vanderwall, head of Gospel for Asia's ministry in Sri Lanka. "The country's situation is going from bad to worse."
Sri Lanka's government has vowed to crush rebels as attacks mount. President Mahinda Rajapaksa says he will not be intimidated by the terror strikes. Instead, he will continue his military pressure on the rebel strongholds.
A recent bombing in the capital was blamed on the rebels. That blast killed nine people and wounded 73. Apparently, it was the work of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam fighting for a separate homeland for minority Tamils.
But with the threat of civil war growing, daily life has been affected. Inflation is a big problem, and the cost of living is going up rapidly. The police are restricting citizens' abilities to move around.
GFA says their students have been facing increased harassment, which has had an impact on their evangelistic work.
However, "In spite of all odds, the ministry is progressing. Day by day, people are coming to Christ," Lal writes. "People are responding to the Gospel very much, including the security forces." Pray that their workers would still be able to help many people find hope in the Lord.
