In Manipur, when GFA-supported mobile teams show a film about Jesus, the screening can be interrupted by the sound of gunfire at any time.

Ongoing violent strikes in Manipur, India, are affecting the work of Gospel for Asia-supported pastors and missionaries to reach people with the love of Jesus. These bandhs, as they are known, are illegal forms of protest used in some parts of Asia, and they greatly disrupt the flow of everyday life. Shops often close down, transportation is affected and prices jump, making it difficult to purchase even basic necessities.

In spite of these obstacles, GFA-supported missionaries in Manipur remain faithful to the work God has called them to.

The spree of strikes over the past few months erupted after gun shots in one area left two people dead and five others injured. Authorities claimed they were firing on a possible terrorist threat, but many people staged protests against the incident by burning tires and blocking roads.

In another incident of protest, a car containing explosives was found only 100 feet from the governor’s office on September 18. Thankfully, the volatile materials were discovered in time and police were able to detonate them in a safe location.

Some schools have shut down in protest to the government, and there have been fears of war breaking out between the government and citizens.

As the strikes in Manipur have continued, GFA-supported missionaries now face serious obstacles to organizing ministry initiatives such as Gospel meetings and film outreaches.

As the strikes in Manipur have continued, GFA-supported missionaries now face serious obstacles to organizing ministry initiatives such as Gospel meetings and film outreaches. The lack of public transportation resulting from the strikes has made it difficult or impossible for them to travel to neighboring villages with the Good News of Jesus.

Years of Violent Tension, God Still Working

Yet in the midst of such obstacles, God is still working, and there is hope for Manipur. On September 12, GFA-supported missionaries were able to hold a Gospel meeting. The people they spoke to are fiercely devoted to the traditional religions of their villages. Yet the message of God’s love for them opened their hearts, and several people chose to follow Christ. The hope they found that day is one that is desperately needed in this place where uncertainty and tension have been so prevalent.

A place of natural beauty, Manipur has faced deep political unrest translating into brutal acts of violence for the past 20 years or more. Not only has prolonged tension between tribal groups left hundreds dead, but at least 19 known rebel factions are fighting for issues such as secession and autonomy. Through the years, many innocent bystanders, who have no stake or interest in their struggle, have borne the brunt of the violence.

Gun Shots Interrupt Film Shows, Missionary Keeps Trying

On August 7, a round of firing between the army and rebel militants kept GFA-supported Pastor Chapal from being able to show a film on the life of Jesus. His audience scattered when they heard the gun shots. On August 19, Chapal experienced a similar incident in another village. As he was screening the film, he and his audience heard more firing between the army and the militants. The people in the crowd ran for their lives. The young daughter of another pastor was severely injured that night by two bullets in her leg and was taken immediately to a nearby hospital for treatment.

But Chapal was persistent, and on August 24, he was able to successfully show the entire film in another village with no further incidents. At the end of the program, a 35-year-old man came forward and expressed his decision to trust in Christ to the crowd.

GFA leaders give thanks for the lives being touched in Manipur and request fervent prayer for peace in the country and an end to the strikes and factions, so the message of Christ’s redemptive love can freely go into all of Manipur.