Baptism is a joyful yet risky step for a new Christian in Asia. |
Jasveer Basu and his family are “troublemakers and spoilers of unity,” according to their fellow villagers. How were they causing trouble? By choosing to follow Christ and tell others about him.
Jasveer has served as a Gospel for Asia native missionary in Assam, India, and he was thrilled when his family recently decided to follow Christ. Jasveer’s other relatives and many in the village where they live were not so happy. When they learned of the family’s decision to follow Christ, they became hostile.
On May 6, several members of the family were baptized. Baptism is a significant act in Asian countries; it is viewed as a final act of turning one’s back on the community’s ancient religion and established way of life. Some also see baptism as a signal of a forced conversion to Christianity. The baptized person is seen as a divider who is going against the traditions of the family and country.
Jasveer’s family knew of many bitter feelings against them, yet they chose to be baptized and publicly testify to their faith in Jesus. Inevitably, this set off a series of angry reactions from their neighbors.
These enraged villagers threatened to demolish the family’s home and confiscate all their belongings. In the face of this onslaught, Jasveer’s family stood strong and refused to back down. The villagers responded by taking away their rights as citizens of that village. Now, anyone who goes to the family’s home faces a heavy fine from the village authorities.
Jasveer and his family are praying that many in their village will come to know the Lord. |
“They are banned from access to societal privileges and rights,” GFA’s correspondent wrote.
This family asks for prayer that the Lord will provide for their needs and bring their persecutors to know Him.
Jasveer lives in Asssam, India.
Read about the threats Boykin Raj and his family, like Jasveer’s family, faced recently.