Pastor and believers attacked in Karnataka

13 August 2008 0 minutes read

Karnataka, India On August 10, Hindu militants attacked a group of Christians gathered for worship in Rona, Gadag district, Karnataka. Pastor Samuel Philip (30) was forewarned about a possible attack and, as a result, police protection was provided. However, when the police returned to their station, the militants attacked the believers present. Six people have been arrested for attacking the congregation.

On August 11, approximately twenty members of the Shivasainya Youth Association Hindu militant group attacked a prayer meeting in the village of Emmanabettur and beat the believers present. Pastor Rajendra Gowda and Pastor Kumara were stripped, placed in a van and taken to a local police station. On route, they were also assaulted by the militants. They have been charged with deliberately and maliciously intending to outrage the religious feelings of others.

Pray for healing for those injured in these attacks. Pray that increased persecution will result in increased boldness among the believers (Acts 4:29-31). Ask God to work in the hearts of militants in India, drawing them to Himself.

For more information on the challenges facing India's Christians, 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.