India (MNN) ― Violence continues to escalate in India, recently resulting in death for three Christians in Orissa.
The attacks began on August 22 when a celebrated Hindu leader died. Since then, Hindu extremists have killed at least 30 believers and continue to pursue Christians in the hopes of either converting or eliminating them.
The three Christians killed were a part of an attack on three separate villages. The extremists burned down 150 homes to add to the hundreds already destroyed.
Similar attacks are happening in other Indian villages. On Wednesday in Uttar Pradesh a Bridge of Hope center was targeted, and the local church pastor was severely beaten.
Hindu extremists have also been looking to turn Christians to Hinduism by holding knives to their throats. One man who refused to deny Christ was murdered by the extremists. Another man was badly beaten.
Remarkably, these attacks have not swayed the faith of Indian Christians. Juria Bardhan, state leader of Orissa for Gospel for Asia, is confident that God is using these evil acts to build His kingdom. Bardhan and the other pastors in the area are ready and willing to die for their faith; many of them having been pursued already. They are certain that martyrdom will only bring more people to Christ.
The attacks are not expected to end any time soon. In the meantime, continue to intercede through prayer for our brothers and sisters in India.
To see a list of Juria's specific prayer requests and more about the story, click here.
