Pastor beaten, Christians arrested

25 February 2009

The Voice of the Martyrs received several reports of attacks on Christians in India in recent weeks.

At approximately 11:30 a.m. on February 22, Hindu villagers disrupted a worship service and beat Pastor K. Krupanamdam in Gabbilalpet, Ranga Reddy district, Andhra Pradesh, according to a February 22 report from All India Christian Council. Two police officers were stationed in the church at the time of the attack because local villagers had recently expressed their desire to seize the property. However, they were not able to get the situation under control until more officers arrived on scene. Pastor Krupanamdam was eventually taken to the police station where he registered a complaint against his attackers.

At approximately 9:30 a.m. on February 24, two Christian women, K.P. Mary (34) and Sangamma (49), were arrested on charges of forcible conversion in the village of Ravaruu, Karnataka. When Hindu militants noticed the women visiting with two new converts to Christianity they lodged a complaint with police.

Pray for Pastor Krupanamdam as he recovers from the attack. Pray for the release of the arrested believers. Pray that those oppressing Christians in India may experience repentance and salvation (Acts 9:1-19).

To learn more about Christians suffering for righteousness' sake in India, go to the India Country Report.

India

India Information

Current Ministry Projects
VOMC assists persecuted Christians with legal support and rehabilitation assistance, and cares for children of martyrs by providing them with a safe place to be nurtured physical and spiritually. VOMC also partners to equip Christians in India with Biblical training and works to strengthen and support marginalized and persecuted Christian women. Additionally, VOMC helps to provide medical assistance to believers who have faced injuries after being attacked.”

Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Legal Defense, Relief and Development, Women’s Ministry, Medical Fund
Country Information
Population
1,399,179,585 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Indo-Aryan (72), Dravidian (25), other (3)

Religion (%)
Hinduism (79.8), Muslim (14.2), Christianity (2.3), Sikh (1.7), other (2)

Leader
President Droupadi Murmu (2022)

Government type
Federal parliamentary republic

Legal system
Based on English common law; separate personal law codes apply to Christians, Hindus and Muslims.

Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for India
Despite the intimidation and violence that have taken place in many of India's states, may Christians wisely yet unashamedly preach the Gospel. Pray that indigenous Christians and foreign missionaries will minister in ways that do not hint at fraudulent conversions, unmasking the intentions behind the anti-conversion legislation. Intercede for India's leaders, that they may reign with justice and righteousness.

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