Please be praying for the Christians under attack from militant Hindus in Orissa, India.

This report is in today’s SMH.

Ya, read about this yesterday form another website. Pretty nasty stuff..

There’s no excuse not to be praying for our persecuted brothers and sisters. They value our prayers so much.

An update today :

More police to protect Christians

India supreme court orders more police to Orissa to protect christians

6 Sep 2008 - Source: Gospel for Asia

The Indian Supreme Court turned its attention to the rampant persecution of Christians in Orissa this week. The court ordered four additional federal police battalions to be deployed to the area specifically to protect Christians in the worst-affected area, the Kandhamal district.

The court also ordered the Orissa state government to do more to protect Christians in the state where 16 people have died and thousands of others have been displaced since the attacks began August 22.

Christians-including Gospel for Asia missionaries and their families-continue to endure intense attacks. And it looks as if the anti-Christian extremists’ rampage may be spreading to nearby states. A high-ranking government official toured the affected areas of Orissa on Wednesday, and even while he was visiting, a church and 50 homes belonging to Christians were burned.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court ordered the government of Orissa to submit a report on what steps, if any, it has taken to protect the lives of innocent Christians as Hindu extremists continue their attacks........

Points for prayer and praise in face of persecution :

Gospel for Asia missionaries are also trying to do whatever they can to aid the victims of the Orissa persecution.

”On September 7, our churches will be fasting and praying, and they will be collecting an offering for the victims,” shared Simon John, a GFA regional leader in India.

Simon represented GFA at a protest rally Aug. 29 in India’s capital city of Delhi.

“The rally was very successful. What we wanted to tell the community was that Christians will stand together in this nation, in love and to lift up the people, even if persecution or death comes. We will not stop doing good for the people,” he said.......

Message from Orissa : “God is in control”

9 Sep 2008 - Source: Gospel for Asia

Juria Bardhan, Gospel for Asia’s state leader in Orissa, India, knows what it’s like to be hunted by anti-Christian extremists bent on killing him. During the past two weeks, he has seen dozens of churches burned to the ground. He has seen missionaries and Christians beaten and killed. But during all these horrific attacks, Juria has had one thought.

“We know the Lord is in control,” Juria said in an interview Thursday.

Juria’s comments may sound naïve to Western ears, but to Christians in volatile parts of Asia, they ring true. They expect persecution rather than peace. They know that to follow Christ means choosing to bring more trouble into their lives. They also know that Christians standing strong in the face of such trials encourages others to follow Christ.

“The encouraging thing is that the attackers themselves acknowledge that Orissa used to be only 2 percent Christian, and now it’s 28 percent Christian,” ..........

“Last time, the persecution was restricted to only one district. During the last six months, they planned this out, and now nine districts are under attack,” he noted............

Here are their prayer points :

Juria does not expect the volatile situation in Orissa to change anytime soon. He theorizes that the extremists will continue the campaign of terror and religious emotion until the next general election. There are several powerful Hindu political parties in the country. Juria says they may be trying to exploit the fear of the people to get into power. There is also a rumor that the extremists are planning to carry the ashes of the murdered leader, along with his photo, to villages throughout the country.. They hope that the emotional response will cause another round of unrest.

He asks that Christians would continue praying for Orissa. Here are some of the specific requests.

. Pray for peace and harmony in Orissa and that families will be able to return to their villages.

. Pray for relief work to go on unhindered.

. Pray for the health, safety and security of the people living in the forests.

. Ask the Lord for mercy in providing new homes for the people who have lost theirs.

. Continue to lift up the missionaries who are obvious targets of the persecutors. The extremists are looking for what they consider to be a high-ranking Christian leader to kill in revenge for the death of their leader.

. Pray that the Christians will remain firm in their faith and that their commitment to Jesus will remain stronger than any fear they have.

9 Sep 2008

Latest news :

serial attacks by hindu radicals on 12 churches in karnataka, india

16 Sep 2008 - Source: ASSIST News Service

Attacks on Christians continue to increase in Karnataka State. According to reports from the area, serial incidents were reported during Sunday worship services. The Hindu radical groups Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal are apparently responsible.

According to a story on www.persecution.in , the following churches were attacked.

The story said that in Shiroor at Udupi District, Karnataka State at about 10.15 a.m., a small congregation of believers had assembled for Sunday worship with Pastor Abraham leading the service.

A group of more than 50 radicals reportedly belonging to VHP, burst into the church hall (the name of the church is unknown), and started praising the recent violent incidents in Orissa against Christians.

In the meantime, a few members from the group ran to the pastor and attacked his right hand and leg with a machete. According to the story, Abraham was admitted in a serious condition to the Angeli Hospital.

The radicals also reportedly threatened Abraham’s wife Binsi with death, and told her to expect the same kind of attacks that have been occurring in Orissa State.

The story stated that before the radicals left, they also torched all of the vehicles parked outside.

At Udupi, around 10.45 a.m., more than a dozen members of radical groups burst into New Life Fellowship and attacked four believers and a two-and-a-half year old boy. All of those assaulted are in hospital, and the child is believed to be in serious condition.

At around 10.30 a.m. in Mudur, Kundapura, Udupi District, about 20 Hindu radicals in a Jeep barged into the church and attacked the attendees. There were orphans children, and a handful of others. Apparently no one was injured, but a short while later the pastor’s residence was vandalised.

During a worship service in Kayarphaduka, in Belthangadi Taluk, Mangalore District, a group of masked Hindu radicals face came in two Jeeps, and attacked the pastor.

According to the story on www.persecution.in , using a long sword the alleged perpetrators left deep cuts all over the pastor’s body. They then went over to the pastor’s residence and destroyed many of his belongings. He is reportedly recovering in hospital.

The web site reported that another attack occurred at about 10.15 a.m. at the New Life Church at Modunpher, Mangalore District. A group of about 20 masked Hindu radicals entered the church, and attacked five of the believers there who are recovering in an area hospital. Some church property was also damaged. The injured are recovering in an local hospital.

The story reported that in Moodabidri, Hindu radicals attacked Pastor Gunasekaran’s house church. His wife and children ran, fearing for their lives. The radicals then destroyed all the furniture and household items.

The story said that the pastor’s daughter observed the car’s tag number, and as a result the incident was reported to the police. Authorities have so far been able to identify and arrest two people from the group of attackers.

There were no reports of any injuries during this incident.

The web site also reported that in Kuloor, the Blessing Assemblies of God church was attacked by a group of Hindu radicals.

The pastor, his wife and two believers were injured and are recovering in hospital. The story reported that there were seven or eight people injured in this attack.

In addition, the web site reported that an attendee’s gold chain was snatched during the incident, and musical instruments and some of the church’s furniture were damaged.

In Jayapura, the End Time Full Gospel Church was attacked at about 10.30 a.m. As the worship service was in progress, the story reported that about 30 people burst into the church. They were armed with wooden clubs, bicycle chains and long swords. They attacked the pastor and other church members.

The story reported that at least 11 people were injured and admitted to a local hospital.

In addition, church windows were broken, and furniture and other items were damaged.

In Kadur, a house church pastor was attacked after the worship service. However, the story said, no major injuries were reported. The alleged perpetrators also damaged church property.

Then in Kodical, a Church of South India (CSI) church was attacked, its windows broken and its PA and furniture destroyed.

In Hemenagatta, Hindu radicals attacked Miligrais Church. A statue of Mary was destroyed, as well as other statues. In addition, radicals broke windows and church furniture.

There was also a report of an attack at Yeshwantpur. Complete details are not yet available.

16 Sep 2008

Useful link: ‘persecution’ link

article

Thank you for keeping the updates coming, Kevin. Have prayed.

From a personal friend and reliable source in northern India (as of 26.09.08):

“Last night I spoke with our northern India colleague, xxxx, to see if the reports were exaggerated or rang true. His sombre reply was that the reports are real, the persecution is horrific, and it is growing. Christians are being beaten, raped and burned alive. Thousands of homes have been destroyed. Churches, leprosy centres, schools, dispensaries… anything connected with Christians is being destroyed. Reports suggest that currently between 40,000 and 50,000 Christians are living in forests, their houses destroyed, and their lives forfeit they try to return to their villages.
What began in the State of Orissa is spreading to other states. Those responsible have openly declared that it is just the beginning; that they will not stop until ‘India is clean’. And a great irony is that some of those in the leadership send their children and grandchildren to Christian schools and Christian hospitals because the care and facilities are better. It is also
ironic that Christians have been at the forefront of rescue and relief work in India following typhoons and earthquakes.
The violence even shakes the foundations of Hinduism. As one Hindu source says, “Hinduism neither supports acts of aggression nor advocates violence to terrorize people into submission.” Clearly, this is not the case today as the cries of the dying and homeless echo across the country.

Despite the rhetoric, governments are doing very little. Why? There is an election due next year and they don’t want to alienate their Hindu voters.”

As we continue to pray could we also be approaching our government to also consider lobbying/encouraging the Indian government to help stop the human rights abuses and terrorism within their country? 

Thanks Keith for the update.

What I’m about to post does not refer only to our persecuted Christian sisters/brothers in Orissa - it may even be a bit tangential - but I read this and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to post it here.

Source: Open Doors website on Persecuted Christians
(6th paragraph to 10th paragraph)

Why is it as I go about my work, which involves ministry in many churches of many kinds in many places, that I very rarely hear of any mention of the suffering of persecuted Christians in other countries?

This is more tragic when we consider that it has never been easier for congregations here to know what is happening to their fellow believers around the world. The internet, websites, email and mobile phones make it possible for churches and individuals to have news and requests for prayer more up-to-date than ever before. Add to these webcams, computers and data projectors and on occasions we could even have persecuted Christians speaking ‘live’ to our congregations on Sunday morning.

Surely Jesus’ words about those who are hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked and in prison don’t only refer to such people in our own communities, but also to persecuted Christians, and to millions of non-Christians suffering from oppression, exploitation and poverty as well.

But ‘all is quiet on the western front,’ literally. Thousands of Sunday services in Western countries take place with never a word about our brothers and sisters in their desperate plight.

How can this be when every local church is part of the church, i.e., the church worldwide? How then can we meet in total disregard of these fellow members of God’s family?  As Paul said, “If one part of the body suffers all suffer.” or at least that’s how it should be.

How can we squander the technology now used in many Sunday services merely on music we enjoy, announcements about the church program, invitations to social events and details of church fetes and picnics, but not use it to bring the urgent needs of persecuted Christians and others in great need to our members? By all means let us praise God and celebrate His goodness to us when we meet, but not in total disregard and callous indifference toward the suffering of our fellow believers - people whom God calls us to love.

No wonder many Sunday services lack reality - a kind of weekly fools’ paradise! We act as though God’s Kingdom is already established.

The fact is it is still brought to birth in many places at the cost of great anguish, borne by people just as frail, human and afraid of pain and loss as we are.

Perhaps we don’t want our Sunday services “spoiled.” A good friend of mine recently attempted to briefly share needs of persecuted Christians one Sunday morning. Afterward a member protested - ”I hope you don’t do that again. We should not have to hear such terrible things at our Sunday services. They make me feel very upset, and guilty!”
{excerpt from longer article at link above}

- Gil Cann, Editor, Working Together and Minister at Large, Evangelical Alliance
Reprinted from Working Together.

That last paragraph I quoted really made my blood BOIL. What a terrible attitude for churchgoing people who call themselves Christian to have. What a terribly selfish thing to say!

Real food for thought was the bit I underlined.

Quite close to the bone for me, actually, because my evening church does use technology principally for at least the first three purposes listed. Yes, we do have mission spots at least twice a month - on our link missionaries and the countries where they’ve gone - but it forces me to wonder, could we be doing more?

Some ideas to bat around.

TZ.

Thanks Tia

Your link is very valuable.  It is a sad day when Christians don’t want to hear about their persecuted brethren..... I’m a 50 something veterinarian who has been privileged to have travelled - ministered in some Asian and African countries - and it would be best not to give details.  Suffice to say that I have met with many pastors and believers in what are closed countries and some ‘open’ countries...... It is very sobering to sit with men who have been in prison for 15 years because of their faith in Jesus.... men who didn’t have the access to theological training and resources such as we do in the ‘west’.  Yet these same men have such a deep and committed faith and love of God that puts me to shame.....

It’s to our shame when we don’t share our material resources with our brother and sisters .. and yes it is our shame when we neglect to share in their suffering in a spiritual sense.  Thanks for your continual prayers.  Continue to intercede on their behalf as well… God can turn the rulers heart… and may those who persecute be put to shame - but yet indeed heed the call of the gospel as was one Saul of Tarsus…

Hi Everyone,

Someone in India, reported to me yesterday that one of their Christian brothers in Bangalore had been beaten senseless a few days prior, before dying yesterday leaving a wife and children. 

Others I know who visit ‘closed’ countries have received recent reports that their christian brothers and sisters in this former Soviet state have been imprisoned. They have had their Passports stamped regarding ‘illegal religious activity’ and therefore will find it difficult to travel across borders in future and it will affect job prospects, education etc for them and their families for the rest of their lives.

This persecution against Christians is going on unchecked all over the world - Democratic Republic of Congo?  etc etc.

But our gracious God is Sovereign and these suffering Brothers and Sisters so, so believe it.  They put us to shame!

We must be on our knees for them every day.

Sharon

YWAM have asked for specific prayer support :

Missionaries Pray, Fast for God’s Intervention in India
By Jenna Lyle
Christian Post Correspondent
Tue, Sep. 30 2008

Youth With A Mission is calling on its 17,000 workers worldwide to join in three days of prayer and fasting for the church in India as it continues to face violent attacks from Hindu radicals.

YWAM said in a report that more than a dozen of its staff and students had been beaten and injured, lost their homes and suffered damage to personal and ministry property at the hands of radicals, who blame Christians for the death of their leader, despite authorities declaring Maoists to be responsible.

The wave of violence was triggered by the killing in late August of a radical Hindu leader in the sectarian violence-prone state of Orissa. At least 51 people have died in violence in the eastern state alone, while tens of thousands have been forced to flee their homes in a bid to escape the violent mobs that have burned hundreds of homes and churches to the ground. The violence has since spread to the west coast state of Karnataka.

Teams of YWAM workers are working to provide refugees with basic necessities and praying for God to intervene in the crisis.

YWAM India joined 90 Christian leaders in Mumbai last week in praying for an end to the violence. They drew comparisons between the situation facing Christians in India to the book of Esther in the Old Testament.

One of the YWAM India leaders who took part in the meeting was quoted in the report as saying, “Queen Esther appeals, through Mordecai, to the people of God to go on a three day fast. The rest is history. God intervenes. That’s the objective of this call to pray and fast. Accordingly, we are urging all our friends to declare three days of prayer and fasting for India from Monday the 29th to Wednesday the 1st of October.”

YWAM’s International Chairman, Lynn Green, threw her support behind the prayer call.

“This coming Thursday is YWAM’s monthly Global Day of Prayer and our focus is on strengthening yourself in the Lord,” she said. “Our brothers and sisters in India are suffering in a way many of us have never faced and we must stand with them, strengthening them with our prayers as they pursue God’s purposes in that nation.”

link

Hindu Terrorist groups are hunting down priests, nuns and pastors in order to kill them. In Orissa, these fundamentalist groups have total immunity.

Orissa, India: ‘A Systematic Plan to Wipe Out Christian Life’
By Nirmala Carvalho
30/09/2008 Asia News

(www.asianews.it/)

“A systematic plan to wipe out Christian life is underway, killing people and destroying their property.Nothing prepared us for this.”
.
BHUBANESHWAR, India (AsiaNews) – Three bodies were recovered from a river in Kandhamal, the district in Orissa state hit by a wave of anti-Christian violence for more than a month now. The bodies belong to a couple and a woman reported missing after they visited a local village to administer immunisation. Elsewhere Hindu radicals continue their rampage in areas like Raikia (Padrikia and Mondasoro), Tikabali and Didrabadi (near Daringbadi).

“The situation is unbearable. A systematic plan to wipe out Christian life is underway, killing people and destroying their property,” a local source told AsiaNews. “Nothing prepared us for this.”

Fr Nithiya Executive Secretary, CBCI Commission for Justice, Peace and Development, confirms that the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal (BD) are carrying out forced conversion to the last Christian.“This plan is not only politically motivated but is part of a scheme to wipe Christians off the face of Orissa,” the priest said. He described in detail the pattern the plan follows.

1.First Christian Dalits and Tribals are threatened if they do not convert to Hinduism. Once a village has been selected, fundamentalist groups announce ahead of time the date before which residents must convert.

2.Christians are told they must bring back their relatives who fled to refugee camps or anywhere else before the conversion deadline expires.

3.On conversion day Christians must sign a document in which they acknowledge that they freely chose to convert. If they refuse to sign they are tortured and killed.

4.Even of they become Hindu they must still pay a fine of 1,000-1,500 rupees (20-30 US dollars).

5.As a token of their “re-conversion” they must smash Christian statues, vandalise churches and even kill those Christians who have resisted forced re-conversion.

6.Those who do not become Hindus are robbed of all their worldly possessions (homes, land and more) which are given to their Hindu neighbours. Everything left over is set on fire.

7.NGOs and humanitarian workers are not allowed into the forest and the refugee camps where Christians have found shelter. Currently there are some 25,000 people in 17 such camps. Only doctors are allowed in to provide medical care but they are under close supervision for fear that they might engage in “forced conversions” to Christianity.

8.Both the VHP and the BD are hunting down priests, nuns and pastors as well as their families in order to kill them.

9.All the violence is taking place in broad daylight in cities and main roads with the police standing idly by. In Orissa fundamentalist groups have total immunity.

Whilst all this is happening state authorities are saying that all is under control and that everything is fine. Little news is getting out of Orissa; whatever information is making its way out it is being manipulated. India’s national newspapers and even the BBC have reported that Orissa tribal associations like the Kui Samaj are trying to defend the rights of poor Tribals against the arrogance of Christians who are stealing their land and threatening their leaders.

“First of all no one has pointed out that the Kui Samaj is not any association. This group is linked to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Bajrang Dal, i.e. the world of Hindu fundamentalism,” said a priest from Orissa.“What is actually a form of caste warfare is being described as an interethnic clash. Upper class Hindus cannot accept that Christian Dalits and Tribals are improving socially and economically. What is more, local merchants are lending a hand to non-Dalit Hindus by supplying them with the kerosene and petrol they use to set Christian properties on fire.”

link

One of my sisters in Christ, B., has a boyfriend, J. who just returned from a short-term trip to India.

J. was with a team of other Christians from Sydney, who ran the PTC course for national Christians in the regions including Mumbai and Pune.

J. also confirmed that the present sufferings of Christians in Orissa are most definitely still happening.

He reported that, some time prior to when he and his team members came to India, a group of Indian Christians had come from their church (in an area now affected by the violence) to do an earlier PTC training course. As that church was recently violently destroyed (with the people in it), J. surmised that most of the Indian Christians from there who had done the previous round of PTC (before J.’s team arrived), had most probably died.

Sobering.

TZ.

Noticed this link on the homepage. Which homepage? Well, the sydneyanglicans.net one, actually.. .. ..

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7672228.stm

How can we leave ourselves ignorant of the dreadful suffering that these Christians in Orissa are going through - violence, rape, death?

How can we not care??!?

TZ.

Tia
Thank you for keeping this before us.  Tomorrow at all our church services we are hosting a visit from Open Doors whose ministry is centred on assisting persecuted Christians.  I expect they will have other equally gut-wrenching stories to tell us.  We need to keep praying, and perhaps do some lobbying of our Federal government as well.
Bob