Pastor Threatened in Uttar Pradesh & Christian Arrested in Madhya Pradesh

Pastor Threatened in Uttar Pradesh:

On 8 May in Baskeria, Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh, Hindu extremists from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) threatened to beat a pastor if he conducts future worship meetings in the area. The Hindu extremists’ mob stopped Pastor B. Vijaya Kumar, his wife and daughter as they were going back home after conducting a prayer meeting in one believer’s home. The extremists rushed towards them and started questioning the pastor about his visit and activities. Pastor Kumar told them that he is doing social work and at the same time sharing the gospel to the believers. “As they questioned me, the extremists were saying among themselves that they will beat me when they find me alone” Pastor Kumar said. After the extremists detained the Christians for three hours, the police arrived at the spot and questioned Pastor Kumar. Thereafter, the police told the pastor to leave the area immediately and that if anything happen to him and his family, they will not be responsible. Local dailies have published the incident saying that Pastor Kumar has forcefully converted people to Christianity by offering monetary benefits. 
 
Please Pray: 
 
Pastor Vijaya Kumar and his family need our intercession and assurance that the LORD will see them through and their efforts will bear fruit in HIS kingdom. We also urge prayers for those “who persecute” us – The RSS & government or police officials, who join hands to harass the community members, like Saul of Tarsus did to the early Christians.
 
Please Protest
 
You may email / write / fax to the chief minister, marking a CC to csfpost@gmail.com

Kumari Mayawati
Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh
 
(O) Tel: (522) 2239296
(O) Fax: (522) 2239234
(R) Tel: (522) 221122
(R) Fax: (522) 220550 

Christian Arrested on False Charges in Madhya Pradesh:
 
Police arrested a Christian on 4 May after Hindu extremists lodged a complaint against him of forceful conversion in Khirpani, Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh. Rev. Akhilesh Edgar reported that the extremists stopped Shivraj Maravi from Kalyan Nandas Church from constructing his own house as they opposed his faith in Christ. The local Christians sometimes conduct Sunday worship meeting in his house. Earlier on 14 April, the local extremists stopped Maravi as he started renovating his small hut. The Christian submitted a police complaint but no FIR was registered. On 4 May, as Maravi once again started the work, the extremists forcefully stopped him and filed a complaint against him. Based on the extremists’ complaint, the police arrested the Christian under Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Region Act and sent him to prison. Maravi was later released on bail on 6 May. Maravi submitted a letter of complaint to the District Collector but no inquiry has been conducted. In the meantime, Maravi has also stopped the construction work due to fear of the extremists attack.
 
Please Pray
 
Shivraj Maravi and his group need our prayers, that the LORD give them strength & fortitude, in the face of such persecution for HIS sake. We also pray that the District Collector and the local administration be sensitive to the basic human rights to one’s religion. As an Easter people, we look forward to a resurgence of the Spirit in the state & pray also for Akhilesh Edgar & his loved ones.
 
Please Protest
 
You may email / write / fax to the chief minister, marking a CC to csfpost@gmail.com

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh
 
(O) Tel: (755) 2551581 ; 2551433
(O) Fax: (755) 2551781 ; 2540501
Email: cm@mp.nic.in

– EFI