Kande Mudu, also known as Philip, was a 27-year-old man who converted to Christianity four years ago. His family were the only Christians in the village of Bari in Jharkhand; and ever since their conversion, they have faced opposition and threats from other villagers. In 2018, the family's home was attacked and Kande's mother-in-law was gang raped. Five of the six attackers were convicted but the sixth perpetrator continued threatening to harm Kande if he refused to abandon his faith.
On June 7th, a group of men came to the door and demanded that Kande step outside. Suspecting what might happen, he encouraged his wife Bindu to remain strong and never give up her faith in Jesus. She took their children and sought safety at nearby houses, but no one would help the fleeing family. Bindu finally found refuge at the home of another Christian who lived several kilometres away.
Kande's body was found on the side of the road later that night by his younger brother. The attack was so brutal, the victimized believer was barely recognizable. The next day, charges were laid against eight men. During the funeral, Bindu was approached by her father who tried persuading her to forsake Christianity if she wanted to stay alive, recounting the rape of her mother and the recent murder of her husband.
Bindu responded, "I will live for Jesus and die for Jesus, but I will never turn back." To read more about the challenges facing Christians in India, click here.
Lift up Bindu and her family in your prayers, as they face this devastating time. Pray for their protection, comfort, guidance, provision and peace. May those responsible for their loved one's death be held responsible. In the midst of this tragedy, may the faithful testimony of Kande and Bindu serve as a light to others in their village, so that many will see the truth of the Gospel and, as a result, receive God's eternal salvation through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).