Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Hope Lives Despite Orissa Dangers
Gospel for Asia
For Immediate Release

Orissa has endured almost constant violence for the past year.

ORISSA, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Ojas Ganj can only see out of one eye today. On February 19, four anti-Christian extremists beat him severely, inflicting multiple wounds including an eye injury. This was the second time fanatics attacked him this year, both times in his village in Orissa, India. For the past two years, Orissa has been India’s most dangerous state for Christians.

“A Christian named Hruday Nayak was killed by Hindu fanatics two days ago,” wrote GFA’s correspondent in the area. “The persecution in Orissa is still prevailing, and the Christians are not safe even today.”

Ojas has worked in this village for the past four years and serves as pastor of a church. Although Ojas is only 26 years old, he has already faced opposition several times in his short ministry. When the worst wave of persecution broke out in Orissa last August, fanatics started threatening him. Ojas’s wife and daughter are with him in his mission field.

But Ojas is not likely to give up anytime soon. Even the fact that he can see through one eye is a miracle. When Ojas was five years old, he completely lost his eyesight. His non-Christian family tried everything to help him, but he ended up going to blind school through eighth grade.

When his mother heard of a Christian prayer meeting nearby, she took Ojas. He was intrigued and started listening to the GFA Radio broadcast in his language. One day, he prayed along with the radio speaker, and the Lord restored his sight. Since then, Ojas has believed in Jesus as the one true God and committed his life to serve the Lord.

Ojas asks for your prayers that he and his family will stand strong for the Lord no matter how tough the situation gets. He asks for prayer, too, for safety and encouragement for his family and the believers he works with. Also pray for the Lord to heal his eye again. 

 Thursday, February 5, 2009
A Little Boy’s Prayers for His Dad

Gospel for Asia
For Immediate Release

Kalyan learned to pray at his Bridge of Hope center. As he trusted God through his prayers, an incredible difference was made in his father’s life.

UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Rohit Jamna’s alcohol addiction had spun out of control. Now, he was even beating his wife and kids. His life had become more than he could take. Working backbreaking days as a rickshaw puller yet making next to nothing, Rohit lost all hope and threw his life away as a drunkard. And as a Dalit (“Untouchable”), he was despised by his community.

 But despite the family’s tremendous turmoil, Rohit’s young son, Kalyan, knew things would turn around. He was praying.

Kalyan had recently started attending a Gospel for Asia Bridge of Hope center in his family’s village. Each day, he heard about the love of Jesus and how He can change lives. Testing what he learned at the center, Kalyan prayed that God would bring peace to his family and help his dad stop drinking. With each tearful prayer, Kalyan trusted Jesus more.

Slowly, Kalyan began to see changes in his family. And after a few months, Rohit completely changed. He stopped abusing alcohol and started caring for his family. Kalyan and his family rejoiced as they saw the power of God work in their lives so dramatically.

Today, Kalyan is a happy fourth-grader. He soaks up everything he learns at the Bridge of Hope center and loves memorizing Bible verses. He doesn’t have to cry each time he prays anymore—instead, he thanks God that his family is whole again.

The Bridge of Hope workers ask for prayer that Kalyan and his family will continue to grow closer to Jesus, and that their testimony will greatly impact those who live around them.

Friday, January 23, 2009
GFA Missionary Released from Jail

GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law.

MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.

Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”

The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.

Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.

Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.

When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.

A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.

In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.

Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.

Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.

Friday, January 23, 2009
GFA Film Team Missionaries Severely Beaten, Kicked

For Immediate Release

If Randhir and Kritanu had been able to show the film on the life of Jesus that day, they may have been greeted with an eager crowd of curious villagers like the one gathered here.

Thursday, January 22, 2009
Bible Students Bring Hope to Factory Workers

Sunday, January 11, 2009
Troubled times linger on for Orissa’s Christians

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Man Suffers Heart Attack, Receives New Heart

Like Balbir, this woman also received a spiritual new heart through the witness of GFA missionaries.

MAHARASHTRA, INDIA (ANS) -- In the course of a day, a Gospel for Asia missionary in Maharashtra, India, helped a heart attack victim get a new heart and brought two teen boys back from rebellion.

Before leading a group of young people in a time of outreach, GFA missionary Jival prayed that day for their ministry efforts. During the prayer, the Lord placed a man named Balbir on his heart. Jival had met Balbir three years before. Balbir, who was 67 years old, was staunch in the religious tradition of his village. He was even a respected leader in that religion. Since their first meeting, Jival had prayed for Balbir whenever the Lord brought him to mind.

In His mercy, the Lord allowed the two men to cross paths that day. This time, the elderly man was open to hearing the Gospel. He had suffered a heart attack just the week before, and he was sad and frightened.

Jival listened to Balbir’s story with compassion and took an opportunity to once again tell him about Jesus and His redeeming love.

He spent more than an hour ministering to Balbir that day. Balbir chose to put his trust in Christ and in a spiritual sense, got a new heart.

That day Jival and another missionary also came across Sujin and Chandan, two teenage boys who had dropped out of school. Their father shared his distress with the missionaries.

They talked with the boys and counseled them, explaining the importance of obeying their parents. They also told the boys about the love of Jesus, encouraging them to trust Him.

The two boys’ father listened attentively to the Gospel, too. Both the father and his sons expressed the desire to know more about Christ and to come to Sunday services.

Please pray that Balbir will continue to grow in his new faith, and for his physical health. And pray that God will draw the hearts of Sujin, Chandan and their father to Himself. Pray, too, for the Lord’s continued blessings on the missionaries’ outreach.

Thursday, January 8, 2009
Indian Supreme Court says it will not allow Persecution of Minorities

By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

BHUBANESHWAR, INDIA (ANS) -- In the aftermath of a year of violence aimed at Christians in Orissa, attention is now focused on two emotionally and politically charged issues: the future of the Orissa State Government, and the challenge of dealing with Maoist violence.

Friends of Orissa, Foundation for International Research and Education, www.FriendsofOrissa.org , says that according to the Indian Express newspaper, on Monday, January 5 the Supreme Court of India made a public declaration, stating "it would not allow 'persecution' of minorities."

The group says that two Justices of the Court spoke out against the abysmal efforts to protect Christians in the Kandhamal district in 2007.

"They assert that the state government stepped in too late to check the violence. The government took action only after 50,000 people were forced to flee their homes to the jungles for safety," Friends of Orissa explained.

The Indian Express, according to Friends of Orissa, says the bench officially "asked the Orissa government to resign if it was unable to protect Christians who were targeted in recent riots that followed the assassination of a VHP leader."

They cite the Indian Express, which quotes Chief Justice K. G. Balakrishnan as saying: "We are secular country. We cannot allow persecution of minorities...It is the duty of the state government to protect the minority community."

In an e-mail update, Friends of Orissa says: "Since making their assessment public on Monday, other political and civil sectors of society are also calling on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to either withdraw his alliance with the BJP party or to resign."

In other news, the group says the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and West Bengal attended a three-hour meeting called by Home Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram. The agenda of the meeting was to address the issue of Maoist terrorist activity that is a growing menace in these states.

Friends of Orissa explains that after the killing of the VHP leader, Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati on August 23 of last year, the Maoists claimed responsibility for the killing.

The group states: "At least one known Maoist has been arrested for the crime. All the representatives unanimously agreed that Maoism must be dealt with at various levels to put an end to their unlawful and violent activities."

These two issues must raise the attention of the Christian community, the group says.

"As expressed in the words of the Apostle Paul (1 Timothy 2:1-5, NRSV), it is the primary duty of all true followers of Jesus to pray for every person and especially for Heads of State who have God given responsibility to serve and protect everyone in society."

Friends of Orissa has issued a call to all who continue to seek peace, justice and righteousness in Orissa to increase their prayers for this state and especially for the government.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009
GFA Missionary Arrested in India

Gospel for Asia missionaries spend hours in prayer to spiritually prepare themselves for the inevitable opposition they will face.

MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih was arrested Monday, January 5, in Madhya Pradesh, India. The police charged him with attempting to force three people to convert to Chrisianity.

The police claim that three people from the village where Yashpal serves accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Several Indian states, including Madhya Pradesh, have “freedom of religion” laws, which were enacted to stop religious conversions that were carried out by force, fraud or allurement. However, the laws have mostly been used as grounds to harass Christians, especially pastors and missionaries, for sharing their faith.

Gospel for Asia missionaries do not use such tactics to share the Gospel. In many cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.

Yashpal, who is married and has three children, remains locked up. GFA leaders in Madhya Pradesh are working diligently to have Yashpal released from jail, which will require them to post bail.

They are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial and for comfort for his wife and children while he is being held.

Monday, January 5, 2009
Missionary Arrested on Christmas Eve

GFA missionaries, like the one shown here, frequently reach out to people in their workplaces.

HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Nebu Sein was arrested on Christmas Eve as he celebrated the holiday with several people from his congregation. Nebu was taken to the police station and later released. He has since been forced to leave Himachal Pradesh, where he had been ministering to the brickworkers who live in his area.

 Several of the brickworkers had requested a day off to attend a Christmas celebration with Nebu. Their boss had given them permission and even expressed a desire to join them.

The brickworkers took their boss along, but after reaching the church, the boss began to verbally assault Nebu. Soon, several other anti-Christian extremists joined in. They grabbed Nebu and took him to the police station. They filed a complaint against him, saying he was forcing people to convert to Christianity. However, they had no evidence so the police released him.

The extremists who live in the area continued to harass the pastor, so he decided to take a leave of absence until the situation calms down. Nebu is now visiting family for 10 days in another state.

Nebu asks for prayer that God will give him grace and wisdom to face the situation. Also pray for the Lord to protect him from the fanatics who might want to harm him.

Nebu also asks for prayer for the extremists, that God would speak to their hearts, and they would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus.

Monday, January 5, 2009
Speechless When They Heard the Truth

Like these people, the villagers and key religious leaders listened intently to Hiranya clearly explain the Gospel.

MANIPUR, INDIA (ANS) -- The villagers looked on as their religious leader, Ishwar Jagan, stood speechless. Although he was a scholar in their traditional faith, he had no answers to many of the questions Gospel for Asia missionary Hiranya Dilip asked him. And when Hiranya shared about salvation in Jesus, Ishwar couldn’t find any flaws in his explanation.

During the debate, Hiranya shared the story of Jesus. The other religion's leaders were unable find a flaw in his message.

The town meeting in Manipur, India, was an opportunity for Hiranya and Ishwar to discuss their beliefs with each other, and share with the villagers as well. People had come from all over the community to watch the debate, including many other leaders of Ishwar’s religion. But even they could not provide answers for many important questions about their faith. When the debate was over, it was clear to everyone that Hiranya’s faith was more solid than Ishwar’s.

Many people in attendance came to Hiranya asking more about trusting Jesus. They were extremely interested to hear about a Savior who could truly forgive their sins.

 Even Ishwar wanted to know more. He asked Hiranya for a Bible that he could study. He also asked Hiranya to tell him more about Jesus.

Following the meeting, Hiranya had many opportunities to talk with people who were open to the Gospel message. He was amazed that the Lord used the debate so mightily for His kingdom.

Hiranya asks for prayer that Ishwar and the other leaders of his religion will come to a saving knowledge of Christ. He also requests prayer that he will have more opportunities to share with large groups about the Gospel.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Extremists Halt Church Construction

Extremists are routinely destroying church buildings like this one in Orissa.

UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Religious extremists from a popular radical Hindu activist group have brought a church construction project to a halt. They have set up a tent outside the unfinished building to conduct rituals to their gods.

 The extremists descended on the church, which is under construction in Uttar Pradesh, India, on December 17. They placed vermillion-red flags on the church building, which is a sign that it has been taken over for Hindu use. The extremists, who belong to the radical RSS movement, then proceeded to offer pujas (Hindu prayers) to their gods and goddesses.

GFA missionary Kushal Samuel heard about the incident and rushed to the church. He tried to talk to the extremists, but they had called the police, who arrested Kushal and took him to jail. While he was being held in jail, the extremists attacked the GFA district leader, Harish Kumar, who had come to the site to help Kushal. The extremists beat Harish for about 30 minutes and then took him to the police station. They made up false stories about Kushal and Harish and accused them of many crimes.

The police allowed Kushal and Harish to speak, and they explained, in detail, what the church does. After hearing their explanation, the police released Kushal and Harish. But they halted the church construction.

In the meantime, the Hindu extremists set up a small tent in front of the unfinished church building. They are sitting in the tents conducting their rituals and are pressuring believers to turn their back on Christ and return to Hinduism.

The church was complete, except for the roof, when the extremists commandeered the site. GFA’s zonal leader, Lamu Tekam, has met with the police in an effort to get permission to continue the construction project.

• Please pray for Lamu, that his talks with the police will bear fruit and that the police will allow construction to resume.

• Pray for the extremists who desecrated the church property. Pray that they will come to know Christ.

• Pray for Kushal as he works in that village. Ask the Lord to give him grace and wisdom in the midst of the difficult situation.

• Pray for the believers, that God will strengthen them and that they will stand firm in their faith.

Saturday, December 27, 2008
Reconciliation and Rehabilitation in Orissa

By Jeremy Reynalds
Correspondent for ASSIST News Service

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO (ANS) -- During the last few days of 2008, attention is shifting to reconciliation and rehabilitation in the troubled state of Orissa, India.

According to a story by Friends of Orissa, in Bhubaneshwar, Christmas 2008 was anticipated with much fear and anxiety, but in the end there was a lot of happiness. That news came from Bishop D. B. Hrudaya, director of Orissa Follow Up and coordinator of the Orissa United Coordination Forum.

It is reported that in many places, “Hindus expressed solidarity with the Christians and joined the Christmas celebration," Rev. Bimal Jena, also of Orissa Follow Up, told Friends of Orissa.

“Christmas celebrations didn't just pass off peacefully,” wrote Rev. Dr. Richard Howell, General Secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of India. Friends of Orissa reported he said, quoting the words of Father Joe Xavier, the way things were handled, “ushered in tremendous confidence among the affected people of Kandhamal.”

The story reported that Dr. Sajan George, President of the Global Council of Indian Christians said, “The diplomatic efforts of the State Government under the leadership of the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, and the ceaseless efforts of the State Police have been successful.”

He added, “in every Church the Christmas worship services were conducted peacefully with amity.”

Friends of Orissa said Hrudaya also said, “people celebrated Christmas in a muted manner this year to show their unflinching faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.”

He explained, “Between 2007 and 2008 life and times for thousand of families, mostly Christians, in underdeveloped Kandhamal district have undergone an unbearable and sad change. Families have lost their near and dear ones. Their homes were turned into ashes and their belongings looted. More importantly, people are emotionally shattered. However, this situation did not stop them from sending across a strong message to adversaries by participating in midnight services in their churches, homes and in relief camps.”

Orissa Remains Vulnerable

However, terror still remains, Friends of Orissa reported.. In the midst of celebrations in most of the state, “normal life in the Gajapati District of Orissa was completely crippled on 25th December, 2008 out of fear and terror,” according to George.

Apparently, an unknown Hindu organization had distributed postcards to store owners and residents ordering them to take part in a strike on Christmas Day, or face death.

Friends of Orissa said that the police managed to patrol the area and no incidents of violence were reported. Christians were able to proceed with midnight services and celebrations in many churches and prayer halls.

However, Friends of Orissa commented, threats like this exposes the reality that Orissa remains vulnerable to an undercurrent of anti-social groups intent on forcing their will and belief on others.

Howell told Friends of Orissa, “It is imperative for the state government to continue to provide security and maintain law and order. It has the goodwill of civil society. The citizens for peace must continue to hold public institutions, policies and programs of government accountable for preserving justice and maintaining order.”

Reconciliation Has Begun

On Christmas day, a number of meetings highlighting peace were held. Friends of Orissa said that according to Howell, “the leaders highlighted the importance of peace, harmony and coexistence of Dalits (scheduled castes) and Adivasis (tribals). It was emphasized not to demonize the communities or become victims of fundamentalist forces.”

Evidence of reconciliation between Dalit and Adivasi, Hindu and Christian, privileged and underprivileged communities has already begun.

Friends of Orissa said that according to Hrudaya, 4,000 primary school teachers and 2,000 youth have committed themselves to the peace process in Kandhamal. The bishop has made a covenant with Baba Baliar of the Utkal Pala Gayak Samilani to train 1,000,000 youth from all over Orissa to promote democracy in the state.

Friends of Orissa said that rehabilitation is the urgent need of the hour. With the growing movement emphasizing the need for peace, efforts must be made to rehabilitate the thousands of displaced citizens who have scattered across Orissa and even to other parts of India. The next challenge for the church is to work with the government and other sectors of society to rebuild homes, businesses and community life.

“The four month old camp life existence of the innocent, vulnerable and weak cannot continue for long,” Howell told Friends of Orissa.

He concluded, “Serious questions still have to be addressed. Even if the people return to their villages, how will they be accepted? Will they be forced to convert to Hinduism? How do we ensure peace, justice and coexistence? For many their houses lie in ruins. It will be extremely difficult to earn their daily bread.”

 Monday, December 22, 2008
A coalition of Hindu groups has called off their Christmas Day strike in Orissa, India
Local Christian leaders describe this development as a ‘miracle’

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries

BHUBANESHWAR, INDIA (ANS) -- Hindu groups announced their decision Friday evening (December 19) to call off their proposed state-wide strike in Orissa planned for December 25th. The decision was made after representatives of several right-wing Hindu organizations met with Orissa Chief Minister, Mr. Naveen Patnaik.

This welcome news for local Christians who have already seen terrible violence in their state, was announced by Friends of Orissa (www.FriendsofOrissa.org), which is part of the Foundation for International Research and Education.

A message sent to their supporters said that Mr. Ratnakar Chaini, president of the Samiti, a memorial group formed after the murder of Laxmanananda Saraswati, told reporters that the turn of events was due to assurance given by the Chief Minister that all the killers of the Swami would soon be arrested. He further explained the decision was “in the greater interest of Orissa and Oriyas.”

Other sources say plans to shut down the state on Christmas Day were called off due to pressure from various quarters. “They had no other option but to call off the bandh (strike) as the entire country opposed their move to create more trouble in riot-hit Kandhamal,” said Mr. Bhala Chandra Sarangi, central committee member of CPI(ML-New Democracy), another political party in India.

Friends of Orissa stated that top Church leaders responded by saying, “This is indeed a miracle. With much joy in our hearts we convey the news. It is like sweet music to our ears. The tension was building up and no one knew what might have happened if the strike would have taken place.”

A delegation of five Church Bishops met with the Chief Minister following the announcement to thank him for the positive action taken on behalf of the Christian minority in Orissa. They requested him to continue to provide protection to all people in the villages.

Church leaders remain cautiously optimistic. They expressed the hope “that we may see positive development towards normalization of the situation, and people gaining faith to return to their villages.” They asked for continued prayer that the thousands of displaced citizens can now begin to restart their lives in their own homes.

The message went on to say that Dr. Sajan George, of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), expressed what many other Church leaders feel. He congratulated “the Chief Minister, the civil society and the vibrant media for facilitating the decision to call off the bandh.” He wrote, “GCIC would like to extend an olive branch of peace at the occasion of the birth of Christ, the Prince of Peace, to all who were planning to observe bandh [a Hindi word meaning 'closed'] on Christmas day.”

The message concluded by saying that Friends of Orissa joins with GCIC, the Church Leaders of India, and every true follower of Jesus in Orissa in continuing to pray for peace, justice and righteousness to reign in their beloved state as the prophet Isaiah wrote, “from this time forth...”

Friday, December 19, 2008
In Orissa, fears of more anti-Christian violence over Christmas Extremist Hindu groups plan a bandh on Christmas Day International community closely watching Orissa situation

NEW DELHI. INDIA (ANS) -- Right wing Hindu organizations in Orissa confirmed they will hold a bandh (strike) on Christmas Day triggering fears of further anti-Christian violence. Separately, politicians held hearings in Washington, D.C. and London about extremism and violence in India. And a European Union delegation conducted a fact finding trip to Orissa from Dec. 9-12, 2008

On Dec. 17, 2008, ultra-nationalist Hindutva groups said they will observe a state-wide shut-down for 12 hours on Christmas Day, reported The Hindu newspaper. The protest is due to the failure of authorities to arrest the killers of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Lakshmanananda Saraswati who was assassinated on Aug. 23, 2008.

The Orissa Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, opposes the bandh, and the newly appointed Minister of Home Affairs in New Delhi, P. Chidambaram, publicly assured Christians they’ll be safe. Aicc leaders remain concerned it will have the same results as an August 25th bandh which saw anti-Christian violence spread across the eastern state of Orissa. Last Christmas, a bandh called by a tribal organisation, Kui Samaj, resulted in unprecedented anti-Christian attacks throughout one district.

“The bandh is provocative. Combined with a continuing hate campaign against Christians, there is potential for violence over Christmas. We appeal to police, politicians, local language media, and civil society in Orissa – and across India – to seek peace instead of hostility,” said John Dayal, aicc Secretary General. “Specific actions like positioning adequate Central Reserve Police Forces and banning the entry of VHP and Bajrang Dal leaders from the sensitive Kandhamal District are essential.”

Dr. Joseph D’souza, aicc President, said, “The climate of intimidation and fear among Christians continues in Orissa. Although we hope the state and central authorities act to protect thousands of innocent victims and prevent future mob violence, we’re deeply worried. We are appealing for preventative action through all legal avenues.”

Yesterday, Dec. 18, 2008, the British House of Lords held a two and a half hour debate about recent developments in India. Baroness Caroline Cox, whom aicc hosted during a fact finding trip in early November, initiated the debate and several peers spoke. John Montagu, Earl of Sandwich, said, “Patnaik, is a personal friend of mine from Delhi in the 1960s…But I have to tell Naveen that, from what I have read, neither his Government nor the Union Government in Delhi have taken sufficient action to find the perpetrators of this massacre or to protect its victims still in camps.” Excerpts of the debate are available at: http://indianchristians.in/news/content/view/2660/47/.

On Dec. 10, 2008, the United States Congressional Task Force on International Religious Freedom held a briefing titled, "The Threat Religious Extremism Poses to Democracy and Security in India: Focus on Orissa." Witnesses included Vishal Arora, an independent Indian journalist; Dr. Angana Chatterji, Associate Professor of Social and Cultural Anthropology at California Institute of Integral Studies; Angela Wu, International Director at The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty; Sophie Richardson, Advocacy Director for Human Rights Watch's Asia Division; and Joannella Morales with the State Department's Office of International Religious Freedom. The aicc briefed two of the panelists during their recent visits to India.

From Dec. 9-12, 2008, aicc coordinated briefings for a delegation of European Union representatives by Orissa’s non-governmental organizations, advocates, and both Christian and non-Christian community leaders. The delegation included officers from the embassies of Finland, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, and United Kingdom. Despite public assurances by Indian authorities that the rule of law has returned to Orissa, both the central and state government advised the delegation not to visit the two most affected districts: Kandhamal and Gajapati. The reason given was "the prevailing law and order situation". This meant the delegation was effectively prevented from observing the current condition of government-run relief camps and victims.

D’souza said, “We are hopeful that our great democracy can resolve these issues by itself, but at the same time we welcome the interest of nations friendly to India and citizens of goodwill from across the world who believe in human rights and religious freedom.”

According to aicc leaders and Indian media reports, there are still 8,000+ in government-run relief camps and victims don’t have adequate food and medical care. On Dec. 1, Chief Minister Patnaik told the Orissa state assembly that 4,215 houses and 252 churches or prayer halls were destroyed. The state government issued compensation checks to a few of the families who lost loved ones or houses. Fast track courts have not been started. The aicc has reliable reports that 118 people died in the violence. In October, India’s Supreme Court ordered the state government to compensate for burned churches, but no progress is reported yet. Two state-appointed investigations are ongoing. Justice (retired) Basudev Panigrahi continues to investigate the Dec. 2007 violence, and Justice (retired) Sarat Chandra Mohapatra started an inquiry into the killing of swami Saraswati and subsequent communal violence.

The All India Christian Council (www.aiccindia.org), birthed in 1998, exists to protect and serve the Christian community, minorities, and the oppressed castes. The aicc is a coalition of thousands of Indian denominations, organizations, and lay leaders.

Thursday, December 18, 2008
Murder of Catholic and Eyewitness Reports Of Armed Men Fuel Christmas Violence Fears in Orissa, As UK Parliament Debates Extremism in India

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries

LONDON, UK (ANS) -- Fears are continuing to escalate in Orissa state, India, over the possibility of further anti-Christian violence taking place on Christmas Day.

According to the UK-based human rights group, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), the fears largely centre around the aggressive promotion of a state-wide bandh (shut-down) on December 25 which is being pursued by the local Hindu nationalist group, Swami Lakhmananda Saraswati Sradhanjali Samiti (SLSSS).

“However further evidence has emerged in Kandhamal district, the epicenter of recent violence, where a Christian villager yesterday (Wednesday, December 17) reported witnessing several men armed with AK-47 rifles in discussion with others thought to be linked with Hindu extremist organizations,” said CSW spokesperson. “In addition a Catholic catechist Jubaraj Digal was today found dead, after his son reported on Tuesday that he had been apprehended and attacked by a mob.”

Meanwhile, a debate was held today (Thursday, December 18, 2008) in the British House of Lords, in which peers drew attention to the ongoing threat of religious extremism in India. Speaking in the debate, Baroness Cox, CEO of HART, who recently returned from the region, described the violence in Orissa as “religious cleansing” stemming from a sustained hate campaign against Christians.

CSW’s Advocacy Director, Tina Lambert, said, “This debate was extremely timely in highlighting the seriousness and extent of religious extremism in India, and nowhere more so than in Orissa. The call for a bandh has ratcheted up the tension and provoked new fear among Christians across Orissa and indignation across India among those committed to a secular, pluralist society. The events of the next week will demonstrate the mettle of the Indian government and its ability to protect its religious minorities.”

For further information or to arrange interviews, contact Theresa Malinowska, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0) 20 8329 0045, email theresamalinowska@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk

CSW is a human rights organisation which specializes in religious freedom, works on behalf of those persecuted for their Christian beliefs and promotes religious liberty for all.

Friday, December 12, 2008
Christmas Comes to the Outcasts

This young leprosy patient is thankful for the blanket she received. Now she will be warm through the cold winter.

WEST BENGAL, INDIA (ANS) -- There are no shining lights, carols or beautiful trees. No warm fires or hot chocolate. And no one receives gifts at Christmas in the shantytowns where civilization’s outcasts reside. But for many leprosy patients in West Bengal, India, that changed last year.

Down the cold, muddy pathways in three leper colonies, sweet singing could be heard. And there were smiles on each face when the patients received their very first Christmas presents—a warm, snuggly blanket and a cozy shawl.

Distributing the special gifts, Gospel for Asia missionaries became the hands and feet of Jesus as they celebrated His birth. And the leprosy patients listened intently as they heard about the Savior who truly cared about their spiritual—and physical—needs.

As part of the special outreach, the missionaries also cleaned and bandaged the patients’ wounds—something they do on a bi-weekly basis throughout the year. On the off-weeks, the missionaries come to the colonies and teach a Bible study.

Because of the missionaries, the patients are being treated like valuable human beings for the first time. In the past, the only aid they received was from government doctors who would stand at a “safe distance” and throw medicine toward them.

Unlike the doctors, the GFA missionaries, who have received special medical training in taking care of the patients, personally dress each sore. They are not afraid of catching the disease, because they know that most people are naturally immune, and that it is only superstition that keeps the patients from getting the care they need.

As the leprosy patients reached out with their mangled hands to receive their Christmas gifts, their eyes sparkled with a glimmer of hope. Although society views these people as worthless and disgusting, the love that the missionaries brought—and the knowledge that the Savior loves them—gave the patients tremendous joy. Their first Christmas was more than a time to celebrate and receive presents, it was a turning point in their lives that can last throughout eternity.

GFA missionaries who minister in the colonies request prayer that the leprosy patients will see their incredible value in the Lord and that more will choose to follow Him. They also ask for prayer that God will completely heal more patients of this terrible disease.

ORISSA, INDIA (ANS) -- “The Supreme Court of India’s ‘Quit if you can’t protect the minorities’ admonition to the Government of Orissa seems not to be taken too seriously by the Biju Janata Dal- Bharatiya Janata Party Coalition ministry in Bhubaneswar and the police headquarters in Cuttack.”

So wrote John Dayal a leader of the All India Christian Council

Indian Christians protesting the violence in Orissa (Photo: AP)

(http://indianchristians.in/news) in a column carried by the UK website www.christiantoday.com

Dayal said, “Though six thousand federal troops of the Central Reserve Police Force and a helicopter ensured a peaceful, if very un-Christmassy festival season in the forests and refugee camps of Kandhamal district of the State, shattered by two rounds of anti Christian bloodshed and arson in December 2007 and August-October 2008, ground level peace in forest villages remains a distant dream.

“A Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan had made his remarks while hearing Colin Gonsalves, counsel for Archbishop Raphael Cheenath who had filed a Public Interest Litigation, informed the court that only “deceptive calm” existed in Kandhamal.

“In fact, the State government is using its so called official peace committees, heavily loaded against the religious minority, to force withdrawal of criminal cases registered by Christians against those who burnt their houses in the first round of Sangh violence from 24-27 December 2007. As many as 107 churches and close to a thousand Christian homes were burnt at that time, as also some Hindu homes [in the Brahminigaon village]. The spirit behind the anti-Christian violence was Vishwa Hindu Parishad vice president Lakhmanananda Saraswati, whose murder by Maoists on 23 August 2008 sparked off the second round of mayhem.”

Dayal went on to said, “Reports were then lodged with the police on January 2008. Criminal complaints were filed in the local courts. Of 127 cases registered in the 2007, only five were ever investigated, the National Commission for Minorities discovered. Affidavits were also filed with the Justice Panigrahi Commission of enquiry in which the VHP leader was named as the instigator. [The commission, after a few sittings in which we participated, has since then been formally boycotted by the Church and the Christian community for its blatant partisanship].

“Now, in Brahminigaon, for instance, the District authorities are ‘encouraging’ victim Christians to reach an ‘accord’ with the Hindu community with both parties agreeing to withdraw all criminal cases. Initial reports indicate that the authorities have ensured that there will be no one present when the criminal cases come up for hearing after some weeks.

“The entire peace initiative has been under a shadow for want of transparency, and for the one-sided approach of the state officials who are totally under the sway of the BJP ministers in the Cabinet.

“The same pressures are visible in the media coverage of the situation, especially in the Oriya language print and television groups. The media continues to target Christian politicians, religious heads and human rights activists. A particular target of criminal slander and coercion is Mr. Radha Kant Nayak, a former federal administrative officer, who is now a Congress member of the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of Parliament in New Delhi.”

Dayal added, “The media attitude was also visible during the identification parade in Cuttack where some of them even found their way, much to the irritation of the magistrate, in the chamber where Sister ‘M’, raped in Nonagon village of Kandhamal in August 2008, recognized two of her assailants. While the nun could recognize at least two men, Father Thomas Chellum, who was with her when she was attacked, and who was brutally beaten up himself in the presence of the local police and stripped naked, was still too disturbed to be able to identify his assailants from the mixed group of suspects and others paraded before him. Fr Thomas was one of several Catholic and protestant priests attacked and wounded in Kandhamal.

“A senior Catholic priest, Father Bernard Digal, treasurer of the Archdiocese of Bhubaneswar which covers Kandhamal, died later of his wounds. At least one Pentecost pastor was also butchered by the mobs.”

NCM member Michael Pinto has said several Christians were still living under the threat of conversion. “This is not acceptable. The matter of conversions falls under the purview of the Freedom of Religion Act already in force in Orissa.”

Dayal said that a new dimension to the terror in Kandhamal has been the emergence of two new groups which apparently will be working in tandem. One is the government sponsored civilian militia, of which 800 will be deployed in Kandhamal and paid out of state funds. The second is the group of 80 young men who had gone to Gujarat last year and have now returned, apparently well armed and well trained. This group has said they will execute Christian on the 23rd of every month to mark the killing of Saraswati. The Orissa government is quiet about it, but the media is trying hard to project it as a split in the Maoist group which killed Saraswati last August.

“At the human level, while the State government has gone on record to say it is not confident what will happen once the Federal police are withdrawn, possibly at month-end, the situation of the refugees remains dire,” he said. “The European commission delegation surveyed refugee camps around Kandhamal and even in Andhra Pradesh before Christmas [they were refused permission to go to Kandhamal], and medical experts who have worked with refugees in the Raikia and G Udaygiri camps speak of widespread anemia among pregnant and nursing mothers. The health of babies born in the camps since August 2008 is also pitiable for want of neo-natal medicare and nutrition.

“A new dimension was added his week when the authorities launched another phase of ‘thinning out’ the camps by sending reluctant refugees back to their villages.

“There has been a bumper crop of paddy this year, and ironically it remains unharnessed in most villages because the farmers with small land holdings are in the camps. While some of the crop has been stolen, much remains in the paddy fields and has to be harvested soon if the rice is not to rot. The authorities are assuring safety, and some farmers are willing to go back to harvest the crops, but it remains to be seen how much protection the state forces will provide without the back-up strength of the federal police.”

Note: John Dayal is a leader of the All India Christian Council and an outspoken activist for the rights of Muslims, Christians and Dalit minorities in India.

For Immediate Release

JAMMU & KASHMIR, INDIA (ANS) -- Most of the people who live in the part of Jammu & Kashmir, India, known as “Industrial Area” work in factories. One of these laborers is a much happier worker now, thanks to his new friendship with a group of Gospel for Asia Bible college students.

Community outreach is a major part of GFA Bible college students' education.

Girji had been suffering from stomach problems for two years, unable to find relief. When three teams of the Bible college students decided to adopt “Industrial Area” and share the love of Jesus with the factory workers, one of the teams met Girji. They shared about Jesus’ power to save and heal, giving Girji new hope he had never felt before. Then the team prayed with him. They didn’t see an answer right away, but they are believing the Lord will do great things.

The two other student teams gave out several hundred tracts to workers from a rice factory and a glass factory. Not everyone was happy to hear their message. One of the factory owners became angry and abusive, warning the teams to leave.

But in another area, the students were welcomed and invited to return. Since then, the team has started teaching classes for both adults and children. The Bible college students regularly help with academics as well as sharing about Christ.

“For many of the tutoring center attendees, it was their first time to hear about Jesus,” the team reported. So far, two factory workers have chosen to follow the Lord as a result.

“Please pray that God would open a way for us to share the Gospel with the 20,000 people who work here,” the students wrote. “Pray that we will become a channel of blessing to bring these people into His fold.” 

MANIPUR, INDIA (ANS) -- A few days ago, Gospel for Asia film missionaries Randhir Malhotra and Kritanu Sarin were badly beaten, kicked and robbed before they could show a film on the life of Jesus in a village in Manipur, India.

Despite some opposition, just the night before the two missionaries had been able to successfully show the film on Jesus’ life to a crowd of about 100 people in a neighboring village. But they would encounter more fierce opposition in this village.

The trouble started when Randhir and Kritanu were in the village around mid-afternoon on January 20, figuring out a location to show the film. Two individuals claiming to have authority in the village confronted the missionaries and began interrogating them.

Randhir and Kritanu explained that they were there to show a Gospel film, but the individuals refused to believe them, asking them which militant group they belonged to. Then the two interrogators took the missionaries to another location where three others were waiting.

The small mob blindfolded the missionaries and led them to still another location. Pointing a gun to each of their heads, they proceeded to beat them mercilessly with huge sticks, inflicting black and blue marks on their bodies. They pushed Randhir and Kritanu to the ground, kicked them roughly and confiscated their money and belongings.

The attackers did return the missionaries’ cell phones, but only after threatening them not to show up in the village again. A kind individual took compassion on the young men and gave them money for bus fare to get home, and GFA leaders immediately got them to a hospital for medical treatment. Based on the extent of the missionaries’ injuries, their physicians asked them to return for further examination and ultrasound scans.

GFA leaders ask for prayer for physical healing and comfort for these two laborers as they seek to share the love of Christ in Manipur.

KARNATAKA, INDIA (ANS) -- Not many graduations include advice on dealing with the police. But that was practical counsel for a group of 29 young people graduating from Gospel for Asia’s Karnataka, India, Bible college last December. After three years of intense Bible training, these students were ready to start serving as full-time missionaries.

A GFA district leader spoke at the graduation. Giving an accurate picture of the life ahead, he offered practical ways to carefully work within the culture and dangers likely to be faced. He encouraged the students to stay sober-minded and prepared to go through struggles. Because of the increasing persecution in their state, it is very probable that each new missionary will be confronted by police at some point—possibly even arrested. The speaker outlined how to deal with police in these situations.

Other GFA leaders spoke as well, encouraging the graduates to build relationships with those on their mission fields. They shared from experience how to obtain land for future church buildings, provide Jesus Wells and recruit young people for Bible colleges. Each graduate also had a chance to share college experiences. At the end of the ceremony, leaders prayed for them and committed them to the Lord’s work.

As the young people filed out of the meeting room, they were walking toward their new life as missionaries. They didn’t wait long—most started moving to their new places of ministry that same afternoon.

Please pray for these young missionaries to adjust and thrive in the places God has put them. Please pray that their ministries will touch hundreds of lives.