Believers stand firm in their faith despite the opposition.

Church construction is often disrupted by anti-Christians wanting to hinder God’s work.

Persecution comes as no surprise for Christians living in two separate Indian states. These believers faced hostility for their faith and for their desire to build a place where they can worship the true God.

Conflict Arises Over Public Displays of Faith
In a village in northern India, 34 people publicly testified of their desire to follow Jesus Christ, and 30 more await their turn. But this act of faith caused trouble for Gospel for Asia-supported missionary Khamal.

A drunk man lodged a complaint against the pastor. The police inquired of Khamal and a few of the individuals who chose to publicly testify. Fellow missionary and GFA’s state leader, Pastor Bhisma Subba, intervened by calling the police and explain what was happening on Pastor Khamal’s behalf.

The police responded positively to Pastor Bhisma’s plea, but gave him this advice:

“Since there are about 200 believers gathering in a house for worship and this causes lots of confusion among others, you ought to build a church very soon, and that will not bring anymore confusion.”

Yet they were still concerned about how their higher authorities would take the complaint. The 34 believers who testified of their faith met with the police days later to reassure them of the true reasons why they became Christians.

They said, “We have chosen to follow Jesus Christ with our own conviction. This has nothing to do with money or conversion, but only through our conviction we accept Jesus.”

The situation appeared hopeful. Khamal shared, “We do believe that the Lord is beside us and nothing can shake us. All things will be all right and cleared today.”

But things turned sour when news that a religious sacred book had been defaced in another country angered the police officer handling the case. Wanting to take revenge on the Christians, the police officer created more opposition for the new believers.

Through a miracle and the glory of God, the angry police officer was transferred to a different state, and the man who originally lodged the complaint against Pastor Khamal fled to a different region.

Now the believers can freely rejoice in the Lord and know He is taking care of them.

Pastor Khamal requests prayer for the new believers, that they will continue to grow in faith and love for the Lord.

Issue Over Land
In two southern Indian states, issues over land are preventing Christian believers from building churches.

In one village, the elders gave GFA-supported missionary Dandak Mehra land to build a church, and with the help of believers, a temporary building was set up for worship services.

However, someone claimed the land given for the church building really belonged to him and not the village elders, and he filed a case against the pastor. Pastor Dandak was taken to the police station over the issue and was kept in custody for two days. With much prayer, he was released, although the situation remains unresolved.

Pastor Dandak requests prayer for protection and peace and that God will use him mightily for the extension of His Kingdom.

Where to Build a Church
GFA-supported missionary Manjeet Gupta is currently facing opposition from religious fanatics as he and the believers of his church strive to construct a permanent building for their worship services. People oppose the construction because the location is within a housing colony.

Pastor Manjeet requests prayer that the Lord will speak to the hearts of those opposing him and grant them approval to construct a church.

Another GFA-supported missionary Pastor Abhidi Singh started a fellowship in a believer’s home, but villagers are now opposing his ministry. Despite the conflict, two families continue to open their home for Pastor Abhidi to use for prayer meetings.

Pastor Abhidi asks prayer for protection over the believers and that the persecutors will come to know the Lord’s love.