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India

• Easter Service Forced to Stop

  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. 

• Police Plant Evidence to Charge Christian

  Police in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh state appear to have collaborated with Hindu militants in order to bring charges of forcible conversion against a Christian social worker, according to a May 4 report from Compass Direct. Sunil Kumar Rao, a social worker for the Child Labour Project in the Gwarighat and Jilhari villages of Jabalpur, was teaching a class of twenty children when police interrupted his lesson, looking for evidence that he was attempting to convert the children to Christianity. When nothing was found to confirm the accusation, Rao was taken to the police station. In front of media and some of his accusers, police then pulled literature from his bag that was not initially there.  After giving his statement, Rao was released on bail.

  On May 2, also in Jabalpur, a sixty-year-old pastor was accosted and repeatedly slapped by members of the militant Hindu organization, Bajrang Dal, after they found him distributing Christian literature near the train station. A report was then filed with the police that Pastor Soni was offering people money to convert to Christianity.  Soni has since been released on bail.

  Pray that Rao will remain patient and faithful in the face of false accusations, entrusting the final outcome to the Supreme Judge (Romans 12:9-21). Pray that Pastor Soni will be strengthened to rejoice in God's love and glorify Him in the face of suffering (Ephesians 3:14-21). Pray that God will give both of these men wisdom to know how to respond to the false accusations they are charged with. Pray that their enemies will see Christ in them and glorify the Heavenly Father (Matthew 5:14-16).

  For more information on the persecution facing Christian in India,click here. The June edition of The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter will feature testimonies and reports of the courage and suffering of our brothers and sisters in India. To subscribe today, go to our newsletter page.

• Dr. Samuel Thomas Granted Bail

  Dr. Samuel Thomas

  After forty-seven days in custody, Dr. Samuel Thomas, president of Emmanuel Mission International (also known as Hopegivers International), has been granted bail. Thomas was arrested on March 16 and charged with offending religious sentiments. For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, visit India's Country Report.
• Christian Leaders Arrested for Fraudulent Conversion

  Supported by Hindu militants, Indian police arrested a pastor and six other church leaders in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh on April 18 on charges of "fraudulent conversion," according to Compass Direct. 

  While members of the militant Hindu organization Bajrang Dal chanted outside the door, police barged into the home of Avinash Lal, an independent Pentecostal pastor, around 8:30 p.m. They manhandled Pastor Lal and six other church leaders, shouting abuse and pounding the furniture with their batons.  Accusing the Christians of illegal conversions, the police tore up Bibles, slapped Lal, grabbed another leader by the hair and a third by his ears. They were then taken to the Barela police station where they remained until midnight, when they were released on bail. Indira Iyengar, president of the Madhya Pradesh Christian Association, was told by authorities that the seven were under investigation for illegal prayer meetings.

  Pray for wisdom for these leaders, as they deal with these accusations.  Pray that they will have the words to say as they stand before their accusers (Luke 12:11-12).  Pray that these seven men will keep their eyes on Jesus, persevere in their faith, and not grow weary or lose heart (Hebrews 10:32-39; Hebrews 12:1-3).

  For more information on the persecution facing Christians in India,click here. The feature article of the June edition of The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter focuses on the trials and courage of Christian believers in India and the rising persecution they face. Click here to subscribe today.

• Bail Granted for Hopegivers International Founder

  Dr. Samuel Thomas

  Opposition to the ministry of Hopegivers International began in February after local Hindus found a book containing statements that they found offensive at a bookstand operated by the ministry. The escalating violence and protests led to the arrest of Hopegivers' president, Dr. Samuel Thomas and others. An arrest warrant for the founder of the mission, Archbishop M.A. Thomas, was also issued.

  This week, M.A. Thomas was granted anticipatory bail.  He had been in hiding since the arrest warrant had been issued.  Another worker with the mission, V.S. Thomas (no relation) was also released on bail on April 21.  Dr. Samuel Thomas remains in jail. He has reportedly been put in a separate cell for his protection amid fears that Hindu militants are planning to harm him. His latest bail hearing was scheduled for April 24.  According to Compass Direct, the matter came up for hearing yesterday but the court postponed it until today.

  Continue to uphold the staff of Hopegivers International in your prayers. Pray that Dr. Samuel Thomas will be released on bail.

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

• Women Arrested for Preaching Christianity

  Two women in the Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh, India were arrested on Good Friday, April 14 for allegedly violating state laws against preaching.  According to the police chief, D. Srinivas Rao, "the women were distributing pamphlets telling people how they can overcome their problems by following the Bible."  Rao said the women had not received prior permission to preach.  The women were identified as Mariamma Mathew, 36, and B. Godwil, 65.

  Bishop Gerald Almeida of Jabalpur also reports that police registered cases against seven Christians on April 7 for allegedly violating the state's anti-conversion laws.

  Pray that the believers who are facing government opposition will find joy in sharing in Christ's sufferings, knowing that His glory will be revealed through them (1 Peter 4:12-13). Pray that they will mutually share in the comfort that the Holy Spirit provides that builds up the body of Christ (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). Pray that there will be freedom to share Christ throughout India and that those who have been arrested will be released from detention.

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

• Easter Season Brings Violence in India

  Hall attacked at Balmatta, Mangalore

  As a group of Christians gathered in a hall in Balmatta, Mangalore on Easter Sunday, as many as twenty-five militant Hindus stormed the building, cussing and threatening those who had gathered there.  They destroyed furniture and equipment and trampled Bibles and hymnals.  According to an April 17 report from Compass Direct, the damage is estimated at 150,000 rupees ($3800 CDN).

  On the same day, also in the district of Mangalore, fifteen attackers from the militant youth organization, Bajrang Dal, attacked the Believers' Church in Bantaguri.  Pastor V.P. Paulouse sustained head injuries and fractures to both of his hands.  His wife was also beaten and their house and car were damaged.  The attackers threatened to further harm the Christians if they continued to meet.

  On April 11, approximately fifty members of the Hindu organization Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) forced their way into a prayer meeting in Mumbai. The Hindus initially entered the hall and video-taped the meeting of 500 Christians for more than an hour.  Eventually fifteen of the militants marched forward, grabbed the microphone and accused one of the pastors there of converting people to Christianity. They then proceeded to beat Rev. Joseph with chains, iron rods and sticks for more than half an hour.  Seven other pastors on the platform were also beaten.  Five of the pastors were then dragged to a nearby Hindu temple where the attackers attempted to force them to worship the Hindu gods.  When the pastors resisted, they were beaten mercilessly.  Two of the pastors sustained serious injuries.

  Pray that Indian Christians will continue to share Christ with great boldness despite their suffering (Acts 4:29). Pray that those who have experienced the destruction of property will keep their sights set on the eternal inheritance they have (Hebrews 10:32 -39). Ask God to bring Pastor Paulouse and his wife to full recovery and that there will be no long term effects from injuries they suffered. Pray that the pastors in Mumbai will also recover from their injuries and continue to minister effectively in their churches (I Peter 5:1-4).

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

• Warrant for M.A. Thomas' Arrest Dropped

  We are glad to report that a warrant for the arrest of M.A. Thomas, founder of Hopegivers International, has been dropped but he has been ordered to appear at a court hearing on April 21.  Thomas has been in hiding for the past two months since protests against the organization broke out in Rajasthan State.  Thomas' son and president of Hopegivers International, Dr. Samuel Thomas, remains in custody after repeatedly being denied bail.

• Pastor Survives Murder Attempt

  Photo from Salem Voice Ministries

  Pastor Paul Ciniraj Mohammed, a Christian convert from Islam and head of Salem Voice Ministries, is recovering from what is believed to be an attempt on his life, according to an April 7 report from Compass Direct.  On March 16, Ciniraj was riding his motorcycle in Kottayam, Kerala State when a motorized rickshaw rammed into him, fracturing his knee.  Police told him they suspected that it was an attempt to murder him.  At last report, however, police have not followed up on the case and there have been no arrests.  Three days later, two armed men attempted to break into his home while he was still in the hospital.  His wife, Mercy, awoke to find the men at the front door.  When she tried to phone the police, she found the telephone lines were cut.  In fear, she started shouting the name of Jesus.  Neighbours heard her shouts and switched their lights on, scaring away the intruders.

  Ciniraj has faced threats and several attacks over the past two years because of his evangelistic work.  His organization, Salem Voice Ministries, runs orphanages, schools and adult literacy centers in Kerala state.

  Pray that Pastor Paul will fully recover from the injuries so he can return to the work of the gospel. Pray that the Lord will provide peace to his wife and family as well. Pray that the leadership of Salem Voice Ministries will eagerly follow through with the tasks God has given them (I Peter 5:1-4).

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

• Recent Updates

  (a) Dalits' Religious Rights :
  Last week the Persecution and Prayer Alert reported that a court challenge dealing with the religious rights of the Dalit people appeared to be nearing its conclusion (click here to read more).  The hearing has once again been postponed, this time until July 12.

  Dr. Samuel Thomas' arrest

  (b) Dr. Samuel Thomas :
  The Voice of the Martyrs in Canada has been following the ongoing difficulties facing Hopegivers International in India and the arrest of its president, Dr. Samuel Thomas. Requests for bail made on April 1 and 10 were denied.  The next bail hearing is scheduled for April 24.

  (c) Rajasthan's Anti-Conversion Law
  On April 7, Rajasthan became the sixth Indian state to pass anti-conversion legislation.  The law will come into effect as soon as the rules and regulations have been completed.