Leaders of a Gospel for Asia Bridge of Hope center in India’s Uttar Pradesh state have decided to temporarily suspend classes due to threats from anti-Christian elements, reports a GFA field correspondent.
After several months of growing opposition, GFA leaders made the decision to close the education center on Monday, May 22, for the safety of the children. Members of two anti-Christian fundamentalist groups had incited residents of the community against GFA missionary Niranjan Das,* who established the center, by spreading rumors that he was working to forcibly convert people to Christianity.
Approximately 50 children are enrolled in this Bridge of Hope center, the vast majority from Dalit families. Called “Untouchables” and considered a polluting influence on society by the Hindu-based caste system, these children live in poverty with little opportunity of receiving a quality education. Historically, many in the upper classes have opposed educating Dalit children.
But through the Bridge of Hope program, these boys and girls receive tuition and uniforms to attend local schools. Then each day they come to the Bridge of Hope center for tutoring, Bible stories, songs and a nutritious meal.
“The Bridge of Hope center has not been running this week,” states our correspondent. “The leaders have said that they may start it up again next week, but need to evaluate the situation at that time before making a decision.”
Niranjan Das, himself from a Dalit background, began his work in this area in 1997. In addition to his ministry among the children, he has planted five churches. One of these, with more than 250 in the congregation, has also been threatened.
“Last Sunday they still held the worship service,” our correspondent reports, “but with police protection.”
*Name changed for security reasons.