Another Fifth Sunday, and a reminder of those who are persecuted, in some 50 countries around the world, simply because they are disciples of Jesus, the Christ.
Imagine being arrested, thrown into prison, and facing legal charges simply for holding a Christian meeting in your home!
That’s what happened to Pastor Mohan*, in India’s northern Uttar Pradesh state.
Around 50 Christians were at his village home, with a walled garden compound, when Hindu extremist groups prompted local police to come and arrest him.
A crowd surrounded the group of believers, threatening and provoking them. Mohan admitted he was afraid. The local media also turned up, in what appeared a coordinated move to intimidate and instil fear into the Christian community.
Although initially released from police custody, Mohan was later accused of forcing, threatening and luring people into his church, in breach of Uttar Pradesh’s anti-conversion laws.
Mohan was remanded in custody for a month — but said it felt much longer as other criminals in the prison bullied him and forced him to do all the menial chores, such as mopping the floors and cleaning out the drains.
He felt completely alone and in despair, until someone brought him a New Testament. He was led to read the story of Paul and Silas in prison and realised the challenges that God’s gospel servants will sometimes face.
Release International partners have been supporting Mohan and providing him with on-going legal aid during this traumatic time.
After a month in prison, Mohan was released and was told by police he should not return to his home area. However, he is seeking to continue his ministry there, although now local Christians in his village are meeting in much smaller groups.
Meanwhile, Mohan’s court case is dragging on. He is regularly summonsed to court, and each time there are more court fees to be paid. ‘We are under a lot of pressure,’ he said. ‘We are very stressed.’
India’s constitution grants freedom of religion. But so-called anti-conversion laws such as those in Mohan’s home state of Uttar Pradesh are increasingly being used by Hindu groups to intimidate Christians and to stifle gospel ministry.
Release International’s partner in India is providing legal assistance to frontline church leaders all over the country, advising them, and encouraging them. Pastors like Mohan want to serve Christ and the gospel — even in the face of those who try to stop them doing so.
Mohan said, ‘The [Hindu] fanatics have an eye on us always. But the more we are persecuted, the more we grow. We dedicate ourselves to serving God boldly, but we do feel unsafe — so please pray for our protection.’
* Name changed to protect the brother involved.
How much do you really understand about the foundational teaching of the Church of the Lord Jesus, the Christ? In this book, I go through the text of "The Apostle's Creed", and share in everyday language, the basic teachings that it covers. There is also an Appendix on God the Holy Spirit.
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