India (MNN) — Persecution is affecting Children's Bible Clubs in India.
Lindsay Ackerman of Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Mission India says club leaders were attacked last week in the middle of training.
"Without warning, a group of extremists just burst into the training," Ackerman says. "They beat up one of the leaders named Mahit."
After seizing him, anti-Christian extremists dragged Mahit to a nearby temple. They then demanded that he worship the image of a goddess there. Mahit refused.
In addition to beating Mahit, extremists threatened the other club leaders in attendance. They told all the believers to stop attending church.
"Our partners are going into these communities, introducing the Gospel to India's kids and their families, and it takes a lot of courage to do this," says Ackerman.
"This isn't just a simple kids' program. They are facing a lot of opposition in many areas of India."
Last week's attack took place in Karnataka.
"This is one of the areas where persecution of Christians is very, very high," Ackerman adds.
Pray for Mahit's healing. Ask the Lord to protect leaders and kids as Bible Clubs start throughout India.
"There are those who see the life transformation that Christ is bringing into peoples' lives, and they're mad about it," says Ackerman. "They're afraid; they don't want to see the Gospel spread across India."
Through a special matching gift, you can help twice the amount of kids hear the Gospel this year. Click here to double your donation's impact.
"If you were to give a gift of $25, you'd actually introduce 50 kids in India to Jesus Christ for the first time," Ackerman explains.
"Normally, it takes just a dollar to send a kid to these clubs, which is an amazing, amazing opportunity by itself; but right now that dollar will actually be doubled and we'll send two kids."
Follow us on Twitter for a special campaign designed to cover the kids and club leaders in prayer.
