Anti-Christian extremists recently destroyed a set of film equipment, just like this one, during an attack on a film team.
Film teams show the movie about the life of Jesus in thousands of remote villages, densely populated slums and small cities throughout Asia each year. |
Two Gospel for Asia-supported film teams have faced serious opposition recently. One team was physically attacked by a group that also destroyed their film equipment. The second team was caught in the crossfire of rebel fighting.
The first incident occurred October 30 when a film team was working with Gospel for Asia-supported missionary, Bikram Jouli, in a village where he serves as a pastor. About 60 people had gathered to watch the film near the church. After the show was over, the team, along with Pastor Bikram, was packing up the equipment when a group of 15 men from a militant anti-Christian extremist group showed up and began harassing them. They argued with the film team, destroyed the PA system, speakers, microphone and DVD player, and took the LCD projector, intending to steal it.
The police heard about the confrontation and took everyone—including the film team and Pastor Bikram—to jail.
The local police chief issued a warning to the extremists and reminded them they had no right to object to the Christian faith. He also admonished them not to destroy any more equipment. No other punishment was meted out, and the officers released the film team and the extremists.
Caught in the Cross-Fire
Two missionaries serving on another film team found themselves in danger on November 7 when they were scouting a location to show the movie. The missionaries were caught in the crossfire of a tense battle between the army and one of the many armed rebel groups in the area.
When the men realized the severity of the situation, they ran into the jungles to escape the gunfire. After several frightening hours, they prayed that God would protect them and ran back to their temporary residence in the village. They were unharmed in the incident.
They gave praise to God for His protection over them as they escaped.
This film team asks for prayer for safety and for a fruitful ministry. They also would like prayer for the area where the gun battle took place, that the situation will improve and the people can live in peace.