Christians beaten in India, but the Gospel’s spreading

India (MNN) — While Christians were thrilled with the ousting of the radical Hindu party known as the BJP, persecution against believers is increasing. Believers working in this predominately Hindu nation expects the violence to continue.

Doctor MA Thomas is with Hope Givers International, an organization that’s partnering with Bible Pathway Ministries . Thomas says students with his ministry were attacked as they were distributing Bibles and preaching on the street in Rajasthan. “A group of anti-Christians — about 40 of them came in — they took all the Gospels and tracts and burned (them) in the public place. They beat our students — two girls and one boy, and our professor and one of our elders.”

This is just one side of the coin, says Thomas, because the Lord is doing tremendous work. “The response is great. People are being saved. And, this year, that means in February 2005 we are planning to graduate at least 4,000 new missionaries to go to the mission field.” Each student will receive Bible Pathway books to help in their continued spiritual growth — this, in a country that borders Pakistan.

Thomas says he expects the violence to continue because the radical anti-Christians are angry they lost power. He’s asking people to pray for safety for their students.