Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: January 27, 2024
And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. (Daniel 6:23b)
Pray that the same God who divinely protected Daniel in the lion’s den would protect Christians in India today.
Several Christians in the village of Uppaladinni, Karnataka State, have been harassed and attacked this month. Some have been warned that they would be killed if they continued to follow Jesus.
Christian couple attacked:
29-year-old Vijayalakshmi and her husband, Ashok, were violently attacked on 10 January.
As an accredited community healthcare worker, Vijayalakshmi’s work involves going door to door to raise awareness about basic healthcare. But sources told CSW that some villagers objected to the fact that a Christian woman was allowed to enter their houses and had threatened her family and tried to get her fired from her job.
She was falsely accused of forced conversion, and the allegations went viral.
The police then called a meeting to try to resolve the situation. But when Vijayalakshmi was given the mic to share her grievance, a large crowd attacked the couple.
Other Christian families from the same church as Vijayalakshmi and Ashok were also harassed earlier this month.
On 3 January, the community chief directed local utility services to cut off the electricity and water supply for three families – leaving them without basic services for at least four days.
The families were publicly warned that they would be killed if they continued to follow Jesus.
Please pray:
- For protection to surround Vijayalakshmi and Ashok, these Christian families and others who may be at risk in Uppaladinni.
- That there would be justice for the couple and those who were threatened and denied basic services.
- That Vijayalakshmi would be free to continue her important work in the community without fear. Although the police assured her that she would not be fired, she continued to receive death threats after the incident.
- That the authorities would address the growing hostility towards religious minorities – a concerning trend – as a matter of urgency.
- That where there is threat, violence and division, the Lord’s Spirit would bring peace, compassion and healing across the nation.