Chandra was on his deathbed when he met Pastor Jamir. Today, after being healed miraculously by the God Jamir told him about, Chandra has given his life to the Lord and wants to follow Jesus. But he is prevented from making his faith public because of the strict stipulations of his state’s anti-conversion law.

The government of Chhattisgarh, Chandra’s state in Central India, requires anyone who changes their religion to prepare an affadavit, personally appear before a district commissioner and submit several documents for approval. Following this, the commissioner has to conduct an enquiry through the police to verify the process.

“Since this process is a little complicated and time-consuming, the family is facing much difficulty,” our correspondent wrote.

For those who do not comply, there is a fine and possible jail term. Chhattisgarh’s current anti-conversion law is left over from before the state was separated from Madhya Pradesh state in November 2000. Right now, Chhattisgarh’s majority party is working toward revising its “freedom of religion” act to make it their own.

“There is likely to be a provision of a 10-year jail term and monetary penalty of Rs.500,000 to Rs.1 million (US$10,000-20,000) for those found guilty of illegal conversions,” India eNews.com quoted a department official as saying.

Several Indian states have enacted anti-conversion laws, and Jharkhand and Himachal Pradesh are considering introducing such laws for the first time. Some states even specify that converting to Hinduism is considered re-conversion to an Indian citizen’s natural religion and has no consequences. In Gujarat, the law classes Buddhism and Jainism under Hinduism, in essence picking out Islam and Christianity as restricted religions.

Yet none of these laws limit the Lord from moving in great ways. In the last few months, Pastor Jamir has seen miracles lead several to salvation.

Balsingh, a Sikh, was experiencing demonic attacks and financial difficulties. His god did not answer his prayers, and his relatives even deserted him and his family. When Pastor Jamir shared the Gospel with them, they received salvation with great joy.

“Their lives have been totally changed,” our correspondent wrote. The demonic attacks ended, and the despair was replaced with hope.

Pastor Jamir is responsible for 27 churches, a home Bible college, a Bridge of Hope center and the recording of Gospel radio broadcasts in his language. While the government’s animosity comes as a small thing compared to what the Lord saved these believers from, Pastor Jamir asks for prayer for his ministry and for the other missionaries and believers in his state who face these obstacles daily.