Persecution happens to Christians often and in various forms.

Three troubling incidents against Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries were reported within a two-month span recently.

One missionary, Udyan Jayaraman, was handing out Gospel tracts in a village when a few anti-Christian fanatics threatened to beat him up if he did not stop and leave their area. Pastor Udyan prayed in his heart and left the place without any physical harm done to him. The harassers warned him that if he was seen proclaiming the Good News of Christ anywhere near there, he would not be so fortunate the next time.

Not long after, a group of 10 people sought out Pastor Imaran and beat him up.

Believers Stand Behind Abused Pastor
Another GFA-supported missionary, Imaran Khan, encountered anti-Christian sentiments because a group of religious radicals were not happy that people were turning to Christ through his ministry. The group called a village meeting and warned Imaran to stop his work and leave the area.

Even with the threat hanging over his head, Imaran decided to continue spreading the love of Christ and have prayer meetings and Bible studies. Not long after, a group of 10 people sought out Pastor Imaran and beat him up. They warned him again to leave the village—this time with threats to kill him.

Imaran was left with bruises but no major injuries. The believers in his village supported their pastor. They adamantly stood up to the anti-Christians, saying they would not stop attending the fellowships or leave the village.

Students Discouraged After Harassment
In another incident, a group of third-year Bible college students were suspected of hiding a man who was involved in a murder case. It was 1 a.m. when the police charged into the house they were renting in search of the man, who was also the owner. The students had no idea the owner had snuck into their room to try and escape the police. When the police searched the house and found the man hiding in the students’ room, they assumed the students were accomplices and began beating them.

The owner of the house explained to the police that the students were Christians and had no involvement with the crime. The police released them, but the brutality done caused the students to become discouraged.

For every incident, much prayer is needed. They request prayer for strength, as well as God’s anointing and protection to continue in their ministries. They also request prayer for their opponents to experience the love of God and turn from their ways.