More than 25 Christians – including children and elderly believers – were injured when a worship service was violently disrupted by Hindu nationalists on May 31st. The attack occurred in the village of Sadrapal, which is located within Chhattisgarh State, as more than 60 Christians gathered for worship. Among those injured were Pastor Hunga Mandavi and his pregnant wife. During the assault, the attackers demanded that the congregants renounce their faith in Christ.

Four years ago, the Pentecost Sunday service at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Nigeria, was suddenly interrupted by gunshots and explosions. As worshippers fled the building, they were confronted by armed attackers. By the time the situation was brought under control, at least 40 congregants had been killed and dozens more injured. (Additional details about this devastating incident are available here.)

On November 18th, Communist authorities formally arrested 18 church leaders (pastors and other staff members) of the Beijing Zion Church, charging them with "illegally using information networks." These charges were part of the officials' ongoing campaign to target the church and its various campuses. (Learn more about these arrests by reviewing this previously posted report.)