Thirteen Convictions in Burning Death of Missionary

17 September 2003 0 minutes read

There are fears of violence and repercussions against Christians in India after the conviction of thirteen militant Hindus on September 15, including a popular Hindu activist. The men were convicted of the deaths of Graham Stewart Staines and his sons Philip, 10, and Timothy, 8, in January 1999 when a mob burned their vehicle while they slept outside a church in Manoharpur, in eastern India's Orissa state. Sentences will be handed down on September 22 and may include the death penalty. The man accused of leading the mob, Dara Singh, was considered a hero by many and was hidden by supporters for over a year after the attack before he was finally arrested. After the verdict was announced, Staines' widow and brother both expressed their forgiveness of the men.

Join with the Indian church in praying for those convicted, that they might yield to the conviction of God's Spirit and seek His forgiveness. Pray that violence will not erupt in response to the verdict. Pray for Gladys Staines, who continued her ministry to the lepers of Orissa after the death of her husband and sons.

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.