A group of anti-Christians beat Pastor Udar after he handed out hundreds of blankets to those in need. |
A Christmas gift distribution angered a group of anti-Christians who believed the gifts were a way of coercing people into believing in Jesus.
Gospel for Asia-supported pastor Udar Rao gave away hundreds of blankets to the poor and needy in his community. But instead of being repaid with kindness for his love and care, a group of extremists surprised him with beatings. The abuse left Udar unconscious, and he was later taken to a hospital.
After his recovery, Pastor Udar went to the police station to file a report, but some of the leaders of the extremist group were present to blame and accuse Udar of distributing the gifts in order to convert people to Christianity. Out of fear, the police weren’t able to offer Udar assistance.
Many Asian states have strict anti-conversion laws. These legal statutes called “Freedom of Religion” set forth strict punishment for what they define as “conversion by fraud or allurement.” The laws are often used to bring charges against Christian workers.
Udar requests prayer for his full healing and also for strength and power to take the Good News with courage to the people in his community. He also requests prayer for protection from other acts of violence and for his persecutors to come to know the love of Christ.