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Christians in Crisis in Orissa
It was just before dawn on 30 September 2008. An angry mob of Hindu radicals had been gathering steam for weeks. Carrying sticks and machetes and chanting death threats to Christians, this hatred induced tsunami swept into Rudangia, a tiny village in Orissa state, India. The mob attacked, burning homes, beating villagers and ripping Christian materials apart. Our VOM contacts say the mob settled upon Lalji Nayak. Hindu radicals grabbed Lalji and dragged him out of his home. One man stuck a knife to his throat. They yelled at him to renounce Christ. They demanded he "reconvert" and become Hindu. Lalji refused. They drove the knife deeper into his neck. Blood began to gush. Witnesses say Lalji continued to "cling to Christ." The radicals pulled out an axe and began beating him. They tortured him and when he refused to convert to Hinduism they left him for dead. Lalji died the next day at a nearby hospital. "Even though he was bleeding, he refused to abandon his faith," a witness told our VOM contacts. The Voice of the Martyrs provides assistance to the families of martyrs like Lalji who have died for their faith.
Tragically, Lalji's martyrdom is nothing new in Orissa state, India. Anti-Christian violence in this area in eastern India has been steadily increasing for years. The state has had anti-conversion laws since 1968 though India's constitution guarantees religious freedom. Behind the recent violence are radical Hindus who follow Hinduvta, an extreme nationalist ideology that believes no other religion should exist in India. Angry that many Indians in the area are converting to Christianity, the Hinduvta followers have organised violent anti-Christian attacks in an effort to stop the spread of the gospel. In 2007, Hindu radicals fanned out around Orissa and burned homes, destroyed churches and killed Christians. Since August of 2008, the Hindu extremists have displaced more than 70,000 Christians, destroyed 4,000 homes, burned 450 churches and murdered at least 87 Christians.
Hindu radicals have targeted some of Orissa's poorest citizens known as Dalits. In India's caste system the Dalits were considered "untouchable," the lowest of all people groups. They have been discriminated against. And though the caste system is no longer officially sanctioned by India, many Dalits have remained outcast and live in severe poverty. Many Dalits in Orissa have come to Christ, finding him the only peace in a world filled with pain. Other Indian people groups have also embraced Jesus' love. In the recent spate of attacks, radicals offered to let these Christians return to their homes, eat and be well, if they only renounced Christ and converted to Hinduism.
You can offer relief to Indian evangelists and pastors who spread the gospel in this hostile area by giving to our work in India. Also, please pray for our brothers and sisters in India. Remember these bold believers who are suffering for the Lord's name. Pray that they may feel the strength of the Lord and continue to spread the gospel. Be encouraged by their bravery and be inspired by their commitment to stay true to their faith in Christ. May their courage embolden you to stand up for Christ in all situations.
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Latest News |
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PAKISTAN: 'Blasphemy' Cases Send Christians into Hiding
20 November 2008
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A Christian doctor in Pakistan jailed since 5 May on charges of "blasphemy" was acquitted last week, while another Christian and his adult daughter remain incarcerated.
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Articles from the November newsletter
- Communists are Men and Christ Loves Them
- Sending a Flying Gospel
- Feeding Body and Soul
- Spreading the Truth in North Korea
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