Gospel for Asia has received some encouraging updates about some GFA-supported missionaries and congregations worshiping the Lord in challenging areas. There is reason to rejoice, yet still cause for prayer, as one missionary remains in police custody in a volatile area.
- A couple of months back, we reported on Tanvir Sarin and Gandhik Chopra, two Gospel for Asia-supported film team members who were assumed to be missing when they didn't report back to their leaders at the expected time. We are glad to report that these two missionaries are safe and did not suffer attack during that period.
After two days of no one hearing from them, the two men finally made contact with their leaders. With all the persecution happening on the mission field—and often the fiercest opposition being aimed at film teams—it had been natural to conclude the team must have been attacked when they didn't make contact. Thankfully, they were safe. It was a simple misunderstanding about procedures.
GFA leaders ask for continued prayer for these teams as they are not only in constant danger of being attacked, they also have a packed schedule that begins early in the morning and goes until late at night. Pray for their protection and spiritual enrichment.
- In August, we reported on Shivram, a Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries pastor who, along with his family, was assaulted by a mob of 40 people. Shivram and his family had bravely worshipped in his church even after hearing it might come under attack that particular Sunday. The local police commissioner was responsive, even arranging for extra protection around Shivram's church and home until things calmed down.
Shivram recently shared this good news:
"By God's grace and your valuable prayers, the present situation is good. We are not facing any opposition. People are responding well to our ministry, and many new souls are being added in our church. Everything is calm and quiet. Every day our ministry is growing."
GFA leaders rejoice at this amazing answer to prayer and request continued prayer for the laborers in the challenging mission field of Karnataka.
- About a month ago, we reported that GFA-supported missionaries pastor Akash Rao, who serves in a volatile area, was arrested under suspicion of being connected with a political extremist group. About two weeks later, the situation became even more serious with possible threats on other missionaries' safety, as police had confiscated Akash's cell phone, which contains names and numbers of other GFA missionaries and support personnel.
A GFA field correspondent reports that Akash is still being held in police custody. And since the problem is related to the political extremist group that dominates that area, it will be very difficult to see him released. It is not unusual for Christian laborers to get caught in the middle of the conflict in areas like this where political extremist groups are active.
GFA leaders ask for prayer for Akash's safety, his release and that God will be glorified in this situation. They are grateful for the prayers of so many for laborers like Akash and many others like him as they are faithful to serve the Lord in risky situations.