Easter Service Forced to Stop

10 May 2006 0 minutes read

The Easter season in 2006 saw a number of instances of violence against Christians in India (click here for examples). A May 4 report from All India Christian Council gives details of yet another incident in the state of Punjab on Easter Sunday, April 16.

As Christians gathered in the home of Pastor Kulwanth Singh in Bathinda, a group claiming to belong to the militant groups RSS and Bajrang Dal entered and demanded that the service stop. The militants threatened severe consequences if there is any further Christian gathering in Bathinda.

Pastor Singh attempted to report the incident to the police but the station officer refused to file their complaint. Pastor Singh went to the office of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) where he was rebuked for holding the service. After further appeals, two militants were eventually arrested but released the same day. Pastor Singh has repeatedly tried to contact the SSP but has been ignored.

Pray that Pastor Singh and his congregation will know that the Body of Christ around the world shares in their difficulties. Pray that they will be a reflection of the Heavenly Father's love for their persecutors (Matthew 5:43-44). Pray that the threats of their enemies will come to nothing.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, click here.

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.