India (MNN) — There seems to be no end in sight to the heavy persecution against Christians in India. Recent attacks have taken place in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Maharashtra — clear indication that the violence is spreading further than just Orissa.
Two weeks ago, Gospel for Asia missionary Raju was assaulted in Uttar Pradesh on his way home from a visit with fellow Christians. Extremists severely beat Raju, kicking him repeatedly until he lost consciousness. Raju was unconscious for five hours afterward and unable to speak for longer. He is now recovering from a broken hand and many facial injuries.
Of course, the reason for Raju's victimization was not that he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Raju's church has been blessed by the Lord and has grown to over 150 members. Many Hindu extremists are not happy with Raju's dedication to his ministry, and they clearly found a way to show it.
Other GFA missionaries have also served as prey for extremists. In Delhi, Vikram, who leads a church of 80 other believers, was recently warned by death threats to put an end to his worship services. College Bible students in Maharashtra have been arrested and threatened for handing out tracts as well, accused of forcing Christianity on passers-by.
Although this violence had been seemingly confined to the state of Orissa in past weeks, now it is making headway throughout the rest of the country.
Please continue to pray for the strength of God's people, not just in Orissa, but throughout all of India. Pray that these extremists would see Christ in these strong believers and surrender to Jesus. Pray that the Lord would assure Christians in India of the reality of 1 John 4:4, "The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
