Two pastors attacked; vehicles burned

30 June 2010 0 minutes read

Two pastors from the Assemblies of God Church denomination were attacked on June 23 in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. The pastors -- Shiju Kuriakose (35) and Jayan (30) -- had left a prayer meeting at a fellow believer's house when a group of unknown people began beating them with iron rods. Both pastors were badly injured and were admitted to the hospital.

On June 22, seven vehicles belonging to Jesus With Us Ministries were burned by suspected Hindu militants in Tamil Nadu. The vehicles were being used to transport believers to and from Hosur, where a Gospel meeting was taking place. Hindus had earlier protested against the meeting and, due to the opposition, the organizers were eventually forced to change venues. (Source: Global Council of Indian Christians)

Pray for healing for Pastor Shiju and Pastor Jayan. Pray that the Lord will make them strong to lovingly and boldly proclaim the gospel (Ephesians 6:18-20). Pray that Christians in Tamil Nadu will not become fearful but will trust the Lord in all things.

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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.