Written by: Open Doors SA
Article source: JOY! Magazine
The persecution of Christians in India has increased significantly over the past six years. This democratic South-Asian country is currently the 10th most dangerous country in the world for Christians, as Hindu extremists are trying to cleanse the country of all other religious minorities, including Christianity, and they are using extensive violence to achieve their goal.
Vinita* and Preetha* are among the many Christians in India who faced severe hardships because of their faith. These two ladies were the victims of a violent attack by Hindu extremists at a prayer meeting last year.
Seriously injured
Vinita and her family were praying in their house with their pastor and his wife, Preetha, when Hindu extremists barged in and attacked them with metal rods. Vinita sustained serious head, hip, and shoulder injuries, while Preetha sustained a broken arm. Not only was her arm fractured in many places, but the nerves and tissue were also badly torn. With the help of Open Doors’ partners, they were treated at a private hospital after the medical staff at the government hospital refused to treat them.
Despite the treatment, Preetha’s arm still does not function properly and she still has pain. The doctors have suggested surgery, but her family cannot afford it. Her husband also had a heart attack a few months ago, but he is unable to get proper treatment as it is very expensive.
Current persecution
“After the incident we had to relocate twice because people alerted the Hindu extre-mists as soon as they heard about our faith. The extremists then came to our house and created commotion. We are currently living in our third rental house and are maintaining a low profile. We have quiet fellowships and small gatherings, as we will be forced to leave our house if the extremist groups find out about it,” Preetha says.
Vinita and her family still face mental abuse, taunts, and sarcastic comments from their neighbours every single day. “The people who attacked us live nearby and often try to pick fights with us over very trivial issues. I don’t openly share about Jesus with anyone now, as my family is constantly under strict surveillance.”
Preetha
Stronger faith
However, both Vinita and Preetha testify that their faith has since grown. “My faith emerged stronger after the incident. I wake up very early in the morning and spend time reading the Bible and praying. I take time to meditate on the Word and want to grow more in my spiritual life. My relationship with the Lord is now even stronger and somehow, I am finding courage to stay in the same locality. I thank God that even though I had a severe head injury, He healed me without major treatment,” says Vinita.
Preetha adds: “I am strong in my faith. I begin my day at five o’clock in the morning with a one-hour prayer time and then spend a lot of time throughout the day praying. Even though I am illiterate and cannot read the Word, I listen to it. I sit down with my husband every day and he explains it and teaches me.”
Strengthening the Church in India
Open Doors works through local partners to strengthen the Church in India by providing Bibles, emergency relief aid, persecution survival training, livelihood training, and community development projects.
Through your gift today, you can help to assist persecuted believers like Vinita and Preetha with support and emergency aid. Visit opendoors.org.za/je2208 to make a difference in the lives of our family in faith in India with a financial gift of R350.
*Names changed for security reasons
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Date published: 20/07/2022
Feature image: Vinita
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