India (MNN)–Hindu militants, for the first time, have succeeded in taking over a place of worship.
Gospel For Asia reports that extremists have confiscated the home and church building of Pastor Ramesh Masih Bhatti and his family.
In Himachal Pradesh, the government recognizes property ownership if it’s belonged to the family for 20 years, but appears to be ignoring the law in this case.
GFA President K.P. Yohannan is concerned about the precedent of this action. He explains, “It is the first time in the history of Gospel for Asia that a Christian place of worship has been taken over by radical Hindus and turned into a temple.”
It is an urgent situation, he continued, “This is a very serious matter, and one for which Christians all around the world need to be praying and fasting.”
There is also concern over what the future holds for ministry in the area. Yohannan says that the Hindu leader in the region declared that “religious conversion will by no means be tolerated.” There is evidence to suggest that Hindus are planning to go from village to village and force Christians to convert back into Hinduism.
