Radical Hindu rallies against Christians in India have taken a new, more targeted turn, and believers there are living in fear of what may come next.
In addition to the protests in Chhattisgarh that we've been praying about recently, now the large state of Madhya Pradesh is also joining the unrest. Radicals issued a threat: They planned to demolish all churches in the Jharkhand district on September 26. Thankfully, no such mass destruction took place, but there was a large protest staged by over 1,000 people.
"the way they spread the message of hatred through these rallies and protests is unbelievable," reported an Open Doors partner. "They are shouting slogans like 'beat these Christians with shoes,', 'stop conversion to Christians', 'save your country' and 'save your religion'. They also shout filthy abusive words. Christians in these two states are living in fear and p.ressure by the community.
Now, 100 pastors have been ordered by authorities to submit several identity documents. This would make it easy to investigate church properties and ministry work - and to find fault with them. There is also a move to declare house churches illegal, and completely ban them.
Please continue to pray with believers in India who face imminent threats of violence each day the protests continue.
Ask God to calm the hearts of those who have stirred up such hatred against Christians, since it can easily encourage violent incidents and riots.
Pray for the wisdom of church leaders who are being forced to comply with unfair demands, and who may face interrogation by police regarding their ministries.
Pray for solid faith and calm among Christians as they watch people around them turn so angrily toward them, that they would show the love of Christ to help diffuse the situation.
Thanks so much for praying, God bless. Taken from an Open Doors USA text alert.
In addition to the protests in Chhattisgarh that we've been praying about recently, now the large state of Madhya Pradesh is also joining the unrest. Radicals issued a threat: They planned to demolish all churches in the Jharkhand district on September 26. Thankfully, no such mass destruction took place, but there was a large protest staged by over 1,000 people.
"the way they spread the message of hatred through these rallies and protests is unbelievable," reported an Open Doors partner. "They are shouting slogans like 'beat these Christians with shoes,', 'stop conversion to Christians', 'save your country' and 'save your religion'. They also shout filthy abusive words. Christians in these two states are living in fear and p.ressure by the community.
Now, 100 pastors have been ordered by authorities to submit several identity documents. This would make it easy to investigate church properties and ministry work - and to find fault with them. There is also a move to declare house churches illegal, and completely ban them.
Please continue to pray with believers in India who face imminent threats of violence each day the protests continue.
Ask God to calm the hearts of those who have stirred up such hatred against Christians, since it can easily encourage violent incidents and riots.
Pray for the wisdom of church leaders who are being forced to comply with unfair demands, and who may face interrogation by police regarding their ministries.
Pray for solid faith and calm among Christians as they watch people around them turn so angrily toward them, that they would show the love of Christ to help diffuse the situation.
Thanks so much for praying, God bless. Taken from an Open Doors USA text alert.