Gospel for Asia-supported pastor Akash Rao was arrested on June 9 and is still in police custody more than a week later. Akash serves the Lord in an area that is dominated by a political extremist group and was one of 10 people arrested on suspicion that they may be part of that group and illegally harboring weapons.
It is not unusual for Christian laborers in areas with political tension to get caught in the midst of the conflict. Despite great challenges, Akash has been serving the Lord faithfully in his village for the past five years. Twenty-five people who have now found Christ's redeeming peace amidst unrest have been regularly attending his church.
GFA leaders ask for prayer that Akash will find favor in the eyes of the police officers and that they will realize his innocence and let him go free. They also request prayer that GFA's ministry in this area will not be affected unfavorably, and that Akash's family and church believers will stand strong during this ordeal.
