Christian homes on fire in India

Orissa, India

Friday, August 29, 2008

In the early hours of August 23, a Hindu nationalist leader, Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, was shot to death in Orissa, India. Five of his followers were also killed.  Although it was allegedly an act by Marxist terrorists, many people are blaming the murder on Christians. In reaction to the killings, some have retaliated by burning down churches and homes. At least three more people have been killed following the initial attack.

Nazarene District Superintendent Sudipta reports: "I have contacted some of our church leaders and pastors in Orissa as they are watching their houses being destroyed. The villagers fled to the nearby jungle and for three days they have had hardly any food.

"I have talked with one of our pastors, [JESUS Film] coach Brother Ajit, and with cracking voice, he replied that his family has been in the jungle for three days. There is no food left, because they finished the little they have carried with them. His wife is expecting a baby, and they have a little child with them. On top of that, it is raining. Brother Prdeep said that they are not able to leave the jungle. All others have fled to [the] jungle as well. And many children with their parents are struggling for food.

"I don't know how our pastors in more remote areas are doing. But there are many other places from where it is being reported that many Christian homes have been burnt to the ground and people are in deep trouble."

World Mission Director Louie E. Bustle said, "As this region faces tensions that are resulting in violence, pray that all parties involved may respond in love and not fear and hate."

Prayer is requested for Nazarenes in Orissa, India, as well as for the many other Christians that are suffering at this time. Pray also for the NCM and JESUS Film staff, who are currently preparing to respond and help wherever they can.

Persons and churches wishing to contribute to the relief efforts can mark their checks "India Civil Unrest ACM1600" and send them to Global Treasury Services, 17001 Prairie Star Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66220. In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to the Church of the Nazarene Canada, 20 Regan Road, Unit 9, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3. Online donations may be made at ncm.org.
--NCM


 

 

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