Christians Under Increasing Pressure
in Karnataka, India

Christian congregations, like the one pictured here, are increasingly coming under attack in Karnataka, India.

The state where five Gospel for Asia missionaries recently spent 10 days in jail is an increasingly difficult place to share the love of Jesus according to GFA sources in the state. GFA's leaders in Karnataka report that the state is in the midst of a widespread new wave of persecution.

On August 10, Gospel for Asia missionary Shivram Nanda and his family were attacked at the church where he serves as pastor. Shivram had received a tip that his church might come under attack on this particular Sunday, so he told his congregation about the threat and encouraged them to worship the Lord at their own homes on that morning. Shivram and his family went to the church building and were worshipping the Lord when a group of 40 people broke in. The people assaulted the pastor and his family.

After the attack, Shivram met with the police to file a report. The police accepted the report and arrested a few of the alleged assailants. Later that evening, all the pastors from this particular district of Karnataka met with the district police commissioner to share their concerns about such attacks. The commissioner was sympathetic to their plight and ordered officers to provide extra protection for the pastor.s house and the church until the situation calms down.

Meanwhile, in another district in Karnataka, another church led by a GFA missionary is facing similar threats targeting its Sunday services. The police intervened, offering their assistance so that the church service could continue without any problems.

They are thankful for the police protection, but tension remains high in the area.

GFA missionary leaders in Karnataka shared the following prayer requests:

• Pray specifically for Shivram Nanda, his family and the Christians in that village, that they would be filled with boldness and courage.
• Lift up the missionaries and Christians that they would not lose heart but continue serving God steadfastly, rejoicing in their sufferings.
• Ask the Lord to intervene and speak to the hearts of the anti-Christian extremists who resort to violent means to obstruct the work of the Gospel.
• Beseech the Lord to protect the missionaries and Christians.
• Praise the Lord for guiding the police officials to act justly and impartially in maintaining peace and harmony in that area. Pray that it would continue.
• Finally, pray that the Church will continue to grow in its life and witness, amidst all the problems it is presently enduring.

• See the work of a Gospel for Asia Women's Team in Karnataka.
  
  
• Karnataka, India is nicknamed The Lofty Land. Read about how it got its nickname here.