India (MNN) — A mob of tribespeople in Chhattisgarh, India recently attacked 60 Christians, including children, with axes, curtain rods, and sickles, sending 13 to the hospital with severe injuries. The attackers were quickly released on bail. Greg Musselman with Voice of the Martyrs Canada says this kind of persecution is ongoing.
“The believers are really feeling isolated,” Musselman says. “They don’t feel protected. You have the attacks, you have situations where they’re not given the basics of life, and then you have the family dynamic as well, where they are now rejected.”
An environment of fear
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State propaganda and harsh anti-conversion laws create fear among believers, or those considering following Jesus. The believers in India that Musselman has talked to say they will not deny Jesus, but it has become very, very difficult to help their families.
“We’re involved with the theology of persecution and discipleship, and teaching these pastors. They already understand persecution, but it gives them a greater understanding of the challenges that you’re going to face for following Jesus,” Musselman says.
The discrimination is often the worst in small villages, where believing in Jesus can mean a complete ban from society, whether that is by exclusion from the communal water well, being forced to walk through different fields, or social rejection.
“I’ve seen it, not only in India, but in Nigeria and other places, where people that are your neighbors and have been your friends turn on you, especially if you have left either the tribal religion or Hinduism to follow Jesus,” Musselman says.
“Now you’re ostracized, you’re marginalized, and unless your faith is rooted strong, it’s very tempting, and it does happen, where people do leave their relationship with Jesus.”
Hope remains
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Yet he has seen God bring many lost people back to Himself, and despite everything, pastors are going door-to-door with the Good News and preaching against hating your enemies.
“When I talk to these believers, the reason they get into trouble and imprisoned and ostracized from family is because their desire is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Musselman says.
Pray that believers in India would receive godly wisdom and refuse to compromise against pressure. Despite how difficult it is, pray that they would not let hate enter their hearts at their persecutors but that they would continue to lovingly share the Gospel.
Header image courtesy of Akhila Katuri on Unsplash
