Story number 1 for 8 Oct 2002

(India)–We begin today in India, where the southern State of Tamil Nadu passed legislation over the weekend outlawing what it calls ‘forced’ religious conversions. Christians convicted of leading the Dalits to Christ could face up to four years in prison. Gospel For Asia’s KP Yohannan. “This is nothing but another attempt of the Hindu sect that seek to stop conversion and the Christian work in India. And, now the feeling is that other states may also seek to now adopt this.” Yohannan is surprised and shocked by the new law, but he’s not losing hope. “I believe the persecution and even martyrdom may increase rapidly. But, I am convinced that more people will come to know the Lord in the midst of bloodshed and persecution and all the opposition that we will face.” Christians worldwide are being asked to pray for the safety of believers there.