Three Gospel for Asia native missionaries endured persecution on Friday in two separate events in India. As a result, one of the missionaries in still in prison, and two are recovering from a physical attack.
In Chhattisgarh state, local police arrested GFA missionary Chandran Paranjoy on charges of using forcible means to convert people to Christianity. Chandran was meeting with a group of believers to pray and fast in a local village when police came and arrested him.
“They are fine in the grace of the Lord,” a field correspondent shared. “Even in the midst of persecution and threats, they are ready to continue their ministries.”A group of anti-Christian extremists, who had threatened Chandran in the past, heard that he was leading the meeting. Looking for a way to cause trouble for the believers, the group lied to police, saying that Chandran had insulted other religions and was paying people money to convert to Christianity.
After hearing the false testimonies, the police interrupted the prayer meeting and arrested Chandran. In an effort to have him released, some GFA district leaders tried to meet with the local judge, but he was not in his office that day. Chandran is still in prison, waiting for his case to be heard.
In Mumbai (Bombay), a dozen anti-Christian extremists barged into a prayer meeting that GFA missionaries Sadar Bir and Ranak Vasant were holding in the home of a believer. The group surrounded Sadar and Ranak and beat them. There were no serious injuries to either missionary.
“They are fine in the grace of the Lord,” a field correspondent shared. “Even in the midst of persecution and threats, they are ready to continue their ministries.”
The same anti-Christian group threatened the missionaries a few months ago, telling them not to hold prayer meetings or do outreach in the area. When Sadar and Ranak continued, the extremists tried to discourage them with this attack.
These three missionaries are committed to sharing the love of Christ, no matter the cost. Although they have recently had to endure persecution, they trust the Lord to work these situations for good.
Chandran requests prayer for his wife and other family members during this time. He also asks for prayer that he will be quickly released so he can continue his ministry. Sadar and Ranak request prayer that the new believers who attended the prayer meeting will not be shaken by the incident, and that they will continue to grow in the strength of the Lord.
Chandran Paranjoy was arrested in Chhattisgarh. Learn more about this Indian state.
Anti-Christian extremists attacked Sadar Bir and Ranak Vasant in Mumbia, Maharashtra.