Pastor Khora runs a house church in the Badaguda village of Odisha. A group of radical nationalists attacked eight Christians here. They all suffered severe injuries. Along with the radical nationalists, the local villagers are also harassing the congregation. They say, “When you pray, our gods leave us, so you have to stop praying here or leave this village.”
Persecution In India
Christian persecution in India keeps surging year after year. Six recorded murders and 2067 hate crimes since 2015 show the extent of such crimes in the remote villages of India.
The more the persecution, the more intense the revival gets just like the Israelites who kept growing in number even during their bondage in Egypt. The kingdom of darkness trembles every time people gather in the name of Jesus somewhere in a remote village.
Unwavering Faith
In the face of opposition, the persecuted Christians stand firm in their faith and dedication. Despite the continuing threats, the church stands faithful and keeps thriving year after year. Souls are delivered and born again into the Kingdom of God. Revival bursts forth in the remote parts of rural India, especially in the north. But still, more territories need the touch of the Savior.
Apart from the recorded crimes, several hate crimes and murders remain hidden. But the continuing threats will not quench the spirit of the persecuted church. No matter how many more persecutors cry “Our gods leave us so stop praying”, the Church stands tall, calling the weary and heavy-laden to come and get rest at the foot of the cross!
Persecution Will Not End Faith
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39)
Reference: International Christian Concern
