10/07/2008: Persecution in Chhattisgarh
Persecution in Chhattisgarh
Millions of people in Chhattisgarh are devoted to their traditional gods. But through Gospel for Asia missionaries like Darpan, many are seeing the love of Christ and following Him. |
On September 29, a group of seven anti-Christian extremists attacked Gospel for Asia missionary Darpan Dakshi in Chhattisgarh, India. The missionary was on his way to visit some believers when the radicals surrounded him.
As Darpan walked to the believers' homes, the fanatics circled around him on their bikes. They stopped Darpan and grabbed him, abusing him with threatening words. They also pushed him around and tore his shirt.
As the extremists were about to beat Darpan, several villagers—some of whom were Christians—came to his aid. They swept Darpan away, and he was able to escape.
The radicals shouted at Darpan as he ran away.
"Stop doing ministry in our village!" one of the extremists yelled. "If you don't leave within a month, we will kill you and your family!"
Finally, Darpan made it safely back to his home. When he arrived, he immediately called the GFA state office to inform the staff of the incident.
"I will not leave this place," Darpan told the GFA state leaders. "I came here to share the Gospel with these villagers, and I may die, but I will not leave my calling."
In a nearby village, 35 Christians stayed committed to their faith in Christ as they faced persecution as well. A group of religious fanatics rampaged through their village, beating them with iron rods and spears. Most of them are in the hospital, fighting for their lives.
Darpan and the GFA leaders in Chhattisgarh ask for prayer that the anti-Christian elements will stop persecuting Christians throughout the state. They also ask for prayer that those believers who were severely beaten will heal quickly and remain encouraged in the Lord.
