Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: November 6, 2021
There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body. It is the same with Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12, NIRV)
As you pray today, be encouraged that you are part of something bigger. Alongside over 4,500 others who received this email, you are part of a louder cry for justice that stretches across the globe.
Tomorrow (7 November), we’ll be joining together for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). You can get involved and find free prayer resources at csw.org.uk/idop
In the meantime, as one body, we lift up Christians in India who have been attacked in recent weeks.
‘I had been asking for security for two days’
On Sunday 3 October in the northern state of Uttarakhand, about 12 Christians were gathered at the House of Prayer church when they were violently attacked by a mob of nearly 300 people. Musical instruments, furniture and CCTV cameras were destroyed, while some church members were severely injured.
Two days earlier Eva Lance, who leads the church alongside her mother, became aware of a car following them. They asked the police for extra security, but none was provided.
Eva suspects that the police were involved in the attack to some extent: ‘The police walked in so passively, despite the fact that I had been asking for security for two days. It was so obvious that the whole rampage was pre-planned and the police were involved.’
Threats, assault and harassment
On Sunday 17 October in the central state of Chhattisgarh, over 50 Christians were attacked at the home of a church member, where they had gathered to share a meal and pray together.
Villagers surrounded the house and pressured those inside to say Hindu chants. When they refused, the group was taken to a stage that was prepared for the Hindu festival of Dussehra, where the assault and harassment continued.
Police arrived at 8pm and tried to protect the Christians, but it wasn’t until 12pm that they were taken to the safety of the police station. First Information Reports were filed to open an investigation, but no action has been taken so far.
In summary, please pray:
- That God would bring physical and emotional healing to the Christians who were brutally attacked and are still living in fear.
- For the local police to take action in Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh so that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
- That the Indian government will strengthen the police force to ensure better protection and justice for all citizens, regardless of their religion or beliefs.