UPDATE: Violence in India
Four Hindu priests were recently assassinated in Orissa, India. The Hindu people blame the Christians, though the identity of the assassins is unknown. As a result, the Christians in the state of Orissa are under attack.
More than 600 churches have been demolished; 4,000 Christians have been forced to flee from their villages and at least 25 have been killed. A teacher at the orphanage was burned alive in the blaze. Rebels are finding Christian houses and setting them on fire.
Our church in Jigenijon was demolished—along with the church buildings and houses of Pastor Gourav, Pastor Biniyas, Pator Thomas and Pastor Daniel. Most of our pastors and members are wandering in the forest. Christians have been cleared from many villages by the anti-Christian people. Hundreds of our believers’ houses have been burned and demolished. We need to rebuild the pastors’ residences, believers’ houses and church buildings. The Hindus are showing mercy to certain people—if they reject their Christian faith and accept the Hindu religion. If not, they pour petroleum on their bodies and set them on fire. Great tribulation is going on at Orissa. I request your valued prayers for Orissa.
Rev. K.M. Thankachan, Overseer, Central Eastern region, Calcutta, India
Orissia India Relief Project Number 7311136110
