Assam Pastor Beaten

Attacks on missionaries are common occurrences in India. The missionaries respond by praying that their attackers would come to know Jesus.

A Gospel for Asia missionary working in Assam, India, was badly beaten on March 21 during what appears to be a robbery attempt. GFA missionary Bansi Samoun, along with staff members from a GFA Bridge of Hope center and their driver, had traveled to a neighboring village with plans to distribute school supply bags to children when the incident occurred. Upon their arrival in the village, a group of known militants approached them, demanding the key to their vehicle.

A GFA missionary who works in that area intervened in the situation and was able to get Bansi and his crew away from the militants. He took them to his house, but while they were inside eating a meal, the militants came to the house and again demanded the key. The local missionary pleaded with the men, telling them that the vehicle belonged to the GFA-affiliated church and it was used for mission work. This angered the militants, and they attacked the pastor, beating him badly. During the attack, one of the militants shot his gun into the air before the entire group fled from the pastor's house.

A short time later, the militants returned to the house. But this time they came apologizing for their behavior, rather than trying to steal the vehicle.

Several missionaries were enjoying a meal together when militants broke in and assaulted one of them.

Bansi and his workers were able to safely return to their home after the attacks. He asks that you pray for the pastor who was beaten, that he will completely recover from his injuries and that he will be able to share the Gospel with the militants who beat him. He also asks that you pray for all the GFA missionaries, Bridge of Hope workers, Bible college faculty and students and all the GFA support staff working in Assam.

• Read other articles about recent attacks on Gospel for Asia missionaries.


• Learn more about Gospel for Asia's work in Assam, India.