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India

  • Emmanuel Mission President Arrested
    Pastor Samuel Thomas being arrested
    Photo from    Hopegivers International
    The violence that began on February 17 against the ministry of Emmanuel Mission International (EMI - also known as Hopegivers International) has led to the arrest of the president of the organization, Dr. Samuel Thomas. Hindu militants had previously put a price on Thomas' head, causing Thomas and his father, Archbishop M.A. Thomas, to go into hiding.  M.A. Thomas, founder of EMI, remains in hiding.  Samuel Thomas was arrested as he was going to a meeting with a senior advocate of the Supreme Court of India to arrange anticipatory bail in preparation for his arrest.

    The violence against the EMI ministries in Rajasthan began after militant Hindu groups protested against a book that was being sold at a book table at an EMI conference.  They claimed the book denigrated Hindu gods.  The book has since been banned by the government. The Indian parliament has been forced to adjourn twice within a week because of heated arguments about what should be done about the violence in Rajasthan.  Some parliamentarians are demanding a stop to the harassment of EMI by Rajasthan's state government.  Members of the Hindu nationalist BJP party, however, support the state government's actions.

    More than 2000 orphans in the EMI-run orphanage in Kota, Rajasthan have been suffering since EMI bank accounts have been frozen and utilities were cut off.  EMI staff has offered to transfer them to other orphanages but have been unable to do so because of inadequate security.

    Pray that the children of the orphanage will be protected from harm. Pray that they will be able to be transferred to a place where they can receive adequate care. Pray that the staff will have the strength and wisdom they need to continue to serve the children. Pray that all charges will be dropped against Dr. Thomas. Pray that there will be a resolution to the crisis very soon and that this vital ministry will be allowed to carry on without hindrance.

    For more information on this story, as well as other incidents of persecution against Christians in India, go toclick here.
  • Three Pastors Attacked in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh

    According to a March 22 report by VOMC partner, the All-India Christian Council, an unruly mob of Hindu activists attacked and severely beat up three pastors in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh on March 19.

    The incident took place as local Christians were concluding a Gospel rally in the Pappula bazaar of Nellore. Without provocation, a mob of around thirty Hindu militants, led by Santosh Kumar, attacked the pastors and their church members. Even children were not spared by the attackers.

    The pastors, N. Nirmal Raj, T. Timothy and A. Ruben, received grave injuries in the attack and were admitted to a local hospital. This is apparently the first time that the Christian community has been attacked in this manner in Nellore.

    Please pray for the healing of Pastors N. Nirmal Raj, T. Timothy and A. Ruben.  Pray that local authorities will take this attack seriously and seek to bring to justice those responsible.  Pray that the church will continue to grow in Nellore despite this attack. Pray that the local believers will be emboldened by this opposition to be even more open about their faith in Christ.

    For more information on persecution facing Christians in India,click here.
  • Update on Pastor Jacob

    Last week's Persecution and Prayer Alert reported briefly on the attack against Pastor Jacob (click here for more details).  More details have since come to light.  The attack took place at a birthday party attended by Pastor Lavete Jacob, his wife Mary and his two daughters.  While the partiers were praying, a group wearing masks entered the home and started beating the pastor with chains and rods.  When his wife and daughters attempted to intervene, they were also beaten badly.  The 13-year-old birthday girl, Anusha, was also attacked and her hand was smashed badly between the doors.  There have been five arrests in the incident.  At last report, Pastor Jacob remained in serious condition.
  • Opposition to Hopegivers International Continues
    Effigy of EMI founder M.A. Thomas being burned
    on top of a church in Rajasthan, India
    Violence and protests are continuing in Kota, Rajasthan following opposition to a book being sold from a book stand at a conference from Hopegivers International (click here for more details).  According to reports received, the orphanage at Kota remains under siege. The founder and president of Emmanuel Mission International have gone into hiding.  At least three leaders of EMI have been arrested and several of the facilities operated by EMI have been closed. The nationalistic BJP party is calling for a publication ban on the book in the national parliament.  EMI denies any connection with the publication of this book. Pray for a peaceful resolution to this dangerous situation.
  • Pastor Assaulted

    On February 28, Pastor Jacob suffered serious head injuries after he was beaten with iron rods by an unidentified group of attackers.  According to the All India Christian Council, Jacob was taken to nearby a hospital for treatment.  The reasons for the attack are unknown at this time.

    Ask God to bring healing to Pastor Jacob. Pray for the care of his congregation while he recovers. Pray that Pastor Jacob and his congregation will model Christ's character before the lost in the community.

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in India,click here.
  • Three Christian Workers Assaulted
    Pastor Phillip, founder ofSEAL
    Three workers at a local Christian charity were allegedly attacked by members of the militant Hindu organization, Bajrang Dal, on February 26.  The three members of Social and Evangelical Association for Love (SEAL) were leaving for a prayer meeting when they were mercilessly beaten by a mob armed with crowbars.  The three workers, Rev. K.M. Philip, Rev. Biju Samuel and Rev. Reggie Thomas, were taken to hospital to rule out internal injuries.  According to reports from the All India Christian Council, local members of the Bajrang Dal have been harassing the workers since they set up the charity organization two years ago.  SEAL runs a home for the destitute at Vankani village that is only two kilometres from the site of the attack.  At last report, police had not registered a formal complaint for the attack.

    Pray that the police will take action on behalf of these three pastors. Pray that they will experience full and swift healing in order to carry on their ministry of love. Pray that the attackers will see that the work of SEAL is a work of Christ's love and respond to Him in repentance and faith.

    For more information on India and the persecution the Church there,click here.
  • Pastor Beaten After Accusations of Forcible Conversion

    A disagreement over land use in Khamachon village, Punjab has led to accusations of "forcible conversions" and the beating of a local pastor on February 8.  According to a February 21 report from Compass Direct, Balhar Singh, pastor of Doaba Punjabi Christian Sabha, bought some land from Surjeet Kaur and her husband three years ago.  Singh asked the village council to intervene.  During the council meeting, Kaur began shouting obscenities at Singh, accusing him of forcibly converting others to Christianity.  She told three youths who were with her to attack Singh, which they did in front of the council members.  Police were called in and Singh was taken the hospital for treatment.  He suffered several bruises on his body and a deep cut on his face.  Charges were filed against Kaur, but were later dropped after she apologized and agreed to not repeat her "mistake."  Singh believes the land disagreement was merely an excuse and that the real problem was that they did not like villagers coming to the church.

    Pray that Pastor Singh will know the mind of the Lord as he directs his congregation through this time. Pray for his recuperation from his injuries. Pray that Surjeet Kaur will come to faith in Christ.

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in India,click here.
  • Violence Continues in Connection With Attack on School On February 17, a church building and school operated by Hopegivers International were destroyed by Hindu militants, upset about the content of a book that was being sold at a book stand (click here for more details).  Violence in connection with this incident has not stopped, as militants continue to demand the arrest of M. A. Thomas, the founder of Emmanuel Mission.  On February 24, an effigy of Thomas was burned on top of a church building in Jaipur.  The militants are also seeking to have Hopegivers' license to operate the orphanage and Bible College revoked.  Various churches in the area have also been attacked.
  • Mission Property Destroyed

    A book stand, a church building and a school, which are all operated by Hopegivers International, were destroyed in Ramganjmandi in the Kota District of Rajasthan State on February 17.  According to VOMC sources, the problems began when Hindu militants purchased a book from a display which contained negative references to Hindu gods. It is believed the violence may have been intended to prevent annual graduation ceremonies planned for February 23-26, just Hindu militants attempted to do in 2005. The purchase of the book is seen as an attempt to provide justification for the anti-Christian violence. In the wake of police warnings, Hopegivers has postponed the ceremonies.

    Despite the damage caused to the mission property, the only ones detained by police were three mission workers. 

    Pray for the leadership of the mission, as well as those whose graduation has been delayed. Pray that the leadership in the mission will be led by the Holy Spirit as they decide what action to take next.

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in India,click here.
  • Pastor Missing in Hyderabad

    When Pastor K. Chandra Paul was traveling away from home, he made it a regular habit to call home every hour.  Thus, when he left home on January 28 for prayer and ministry, he kept regular contact until January 30.  His family has not heard from him since.  After waiting four days, the family contacted police who advised them to check with friends and family.  Finally on February 13, a missing person's report was filed with the police.  There has been no sign of Pastor Paul or his motorcycle.

    In light of the violent deaths of two other pastors in the area in June 2005 (click here for the story), there is concern for his safety.

    Pray for Pastor Paul's family during this time.  Pray that they will be able to rest in the Lord, knowing that the Lord never forsakes His own. Pray that there will be full cooperation from the police.

    For more information on the persecution facing India's Christians,click here.

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