Written by: Open Doors Southern Africa
Article source: JOY! Magazine
The persecution of Christians in India has increased significantly over the past five years. This South-Asian democratic country is currently the 10th most dangerous country in the world for Christians, as Hindu extremists try to rid the country of all Christianity and use extensive violence to achieve this goal. While Open Doors’ local partners hoped that the Covid-19 lockdown would lead to fewer attacks on Christians, this was sadly not the case – hundreds of believers in India were physically attacked last year because of their faith in Jesus. Many believers were denied government food aid during the Covid-19 lockdown, and would have starved to death without help from Open Doors’ local partners.
Many Indian believers would have starved to death without help from Open Doors.
Violent attack at a prayer meeting
Vinita* and her family, Christians from a Hindu background in India, have faced constant discrimination, threats, harassment, violent attacks by Hindu extremists, and other forms of persecution from their community since they gave their hearts to the Lord. Vinita, who is in her mid-twenties, runs a small shop at their home and her husband works in a factory. They have a one-year-old baby girl. One day, when Vinita was praying in her home with her pastor and his family, about eight Hindu extremists barged in and attacked them with metal rods. “For almost 30 minutes they were attacking us and breaking things. They threw my baby girl on the ground – thankfully, she survived with just scratches on her legs.” But Vinita and the others were more seriously injured. “My head was injured, and I had deep injuries near my hip and on my shoulders. My sister, Isha*, sustained serious head injuries. The pastor’s daughter and wife were also seriously injured.”
‘God protected us…’
At the government hospital, medical staff refused to treat any of them because of pressure from the extremists. But God answered Vinita’s prayers for their lives to be saved when partners from Open Doors came forward to help them. They took the group of injured believers to a private hospital for treatment and paid their hospital expenses. “Luckily everyone survived the brutal attack … God protected us and spared our lives. Therefore, I would never forsake the Lord. It is written in God’s Word: ‘When you follow Me, people will persecute you.’ From this verse, I gain strength and the assurance that God is with us. Thanks to the prayers and support of Open Doors’ partners, I know that I am not alone and can stay strong in the face of every challenge,” says Vinita.
Struggle to survive
Vinita doesn’t know what the future holds. Covid-19 continues to affect the family’s income, and they still face threats from their community. Local partners of Open Doors are trying to see if the family can be moved to a safer place. They were also able to replace the broken items in her shop and helped with the family’s daily grocery needs. Pastor Samuel*, an Open Doors local partner, says: “Christians suffer a lot in India. They are denied medical help because of their faith, and the police don’t want to assist them. This is why your prayers and support are so vital. You are helping to provide life-saving support, such as paying for private medical treatment for those who are attacked and bringing vital food aid to those denied government aid. Please pray for strength and protection for the Church in India.” The situation in India is getting worse. Various leaders and politicians in the country have confirmed that they want to rid India of Christianity by the end of 2021. If we don’t act today, there might not be a church in India to support tomorrow. So please join us in the month of July for a dedicated 31-day prayer campaign for our family in India.
Visit www.standfortruthindia.co.za to get your FREE 31-day prayer guide to stand in the gap for the Church in India!
*Names changed for security reasons.
Geopende Deure – Open Doors NPC Nedbank
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Geopende Deure – Open Doors NPC Absa
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Date published: 23/06/2021
Feature image: © 2021 Open Doors International
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