India (MNN) ― It has been a year since we first reported the arrest of a group of Christians in India's Karnataka state.
On this date last year, Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Mission India first told us of an attack by Hindu extremists on an 80-person training session for Children's Bible Clubs.
The extremists held the ministry workers for at least 14 hours. When police came, eight of Mission India's partners were taken into custody under the charge of "deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs."
Court dates have come and gone, and justices have delayed the case each time. Most recently, the case was moved to September 8.
Mission India President Dave Stravers says this is not at all the first time that the Indian court system has postponed a trial or delayed a verdict. In fact, he points out one case from 1984 which was only recently concluded.
The ministry training is critical to the Gospel reaching children in the region. This fall, year-long Children's Bible Clubs will be launched in many communities across India.
Next month, Mission India will place the order for printing materials for the Children's Bible Clubs that will meet in 2011. Materials will be printed in India's major languages.
Please continue to pray for the situation as Mission India continues to fight for these charges to be dismissed. Pray, too, for the Club leaders as they train and prepare their hearts to lead, and for courage to press forward even when challenges arise.
