In the midst of the Naxalite kidnapping crisis Gospel for Asia faced in January, another GFA missionary was forced into a similar situation—but from an opposing group.

Jandol Paul had traveled to the GFA regional headquarters after hearing the news that Subhash Pani, a missionary serving under his leadership in India’s Chhattisgarh state, had been abducted. His intent was to help work toward Subhash’s release, but instead he was confronted by members of a local anti-Naxalite group and forced to attend an “awareness camp.”

The goal of this group is to build understanding of—and sentiments against—the Marxist-oriented Naxalites, who often use violence, coercion and terrorism to move toward their goal of a classless society. Jandol’s experience of compulsory attendance at this camp is just one of many in this area of the state, where residents are often victims of the tensions between the local government and this extremist group.

“The common people are suffering due to this situation,” writes a GFA leader. “If people are not supporting [the awareness group], they face problems from the local leaders, and if they support the project they face problems from the Naxalites.”

After spending seven days in the awareness camp, Jandol was able to leave unhindered. He attributes this to the prayers of God’s people. Around that same time, missionary Subhash Pani also miraculously escaped. Click here to read Subhash’s story.

Please pray that the Lord will bring peace in this area of Chhattisgarh and that the Good News of Jesus Christ will continue to go forth—that many might know His love.