Pastor Mandal was accused of stealing a motorcycle, much like this one. He is certain the theft accusation was orchestrated to prevent his church from having a Christmas program in their village.

Gospel for Asia-supported missionary Mandal Bhaskar has been accused of stealing a motorcycle by a group of anti-Christian extremists in his village.

Mandal is the pastor of a rapidly growing church with about 100 people attending worship services. Daniek Rahi, a member of the church, died on December 15. The next day, pastor Mandal led Daniek’s funeral service. After the service, Daniek’s family observed a local custom by washing his body in a nearby river. The extremists, who openly oppose Mandal’s ministry, used this opportunity to stage a false theft. One of them rode to the ceremony on a motorcycle but arranged for it to be taken during the event, making it look like a theft.

The next day, Mandal’s opponents tried to confront the pastor by standing in front of his house and yelling at him to come outside and answer their accusations that he had stolen the motorcycle. Mandal was not at home, but his brother heard the commotion from his home nearby. He stepped out to talk to the men, and upon hearing their accusations, assured them his brother did not commit the crime.

The men proceeded to attack Mandal’s brother, who was badly injured before neighbors were able to break him free from the mob’s grip. The accusers then made their way to the police station and filed a theft report accusing Mandal of the crime. The police immediately summoned Mandal to the station. The police released Mandal after taking his statement. Local law enforcement officials have not yet made a ruling in the case.

Pastor Mandal reports that the extremists making false charges against him represent the many other residents of the village who feel threatened by the rapid growth of the church. He believes the theft scenario may have been put together to prevent him from conducting a Christmas program in the village.

Pastor Mandal asks for prayer that:

  • The Lord would give him grace and strength to face this situation.
  • The Lord would touch the hearts and lives of the villagers making the accusations.
  • For God to protect his wife and five children.
  • For the believers in the church to stand strong in the face of opposition.