Mrs. Chanda is a known Christian in Chhattisgarh, but she’s never forced her religion on anyone. However, this past November, in the early morning, villagers gathered and then barged into her home. She was dragged out of her house as the violent mob screamed at her, accusing her of following the Western God. Then the women in the mob began to beat her.
After she was left bloodied and bruised, she was taken to the hospital. Months later, she is still undergoing treatment for her hands and lingering injuries in her back.
And more mob violence continued. After Mrs. Chanda was beaten, the mob turned their focus to other families who follow Jesus. Two families were publicly attacked. The same two families owned 10 acres of land with paddy fields ready for harvest. The villagers looted their fields and stole farming tools. The families registered a case with the police, but the authorities refused to take action.
21 Christian families were then summoned to a village council meeting where they received a final warning: abandon Jesus or leave the village. If they didn’t abandon Christ, they were told they would face starvation, and that no locals would buy crops from them. Sadly, fearing for their own harvests, 14 families signed a document saying they would recant their faith in God. The signed document also stated that the families were not allowed to visit a church or participate in any church events.
But seven families refused to sign.
Months later, the seven families continue to stand up for their faith. Their crops have been looted. Daily survival is a challenge. They live off what they can find in the jungle. But Christ remains in the center of their hearts.
In 1 Peter 4:12, we’re reminded, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” We pray these persecuted families in Chhattisgarh will hold those words close—that they will not be surprised by the hate of others, but instead live strong for Christ despite it.
Join us in prayer now for our dear family in Chhattisgarh.
Lord, even though we hear the constant stories, we’re still in shock that there’s so much hatred for Your Church. We ask Your blessings over Mrs. Chanda and ask for miraculous healing over her. We pray for the seven families who refused to recant their faith—may You provide for them and fill them daily with Your peace in the middle of so much struggle. And we pray for these mobs in Chhattisgarh; please create a way for them to find You, even though their hearts remain distant. Amen.
Photo caption: A representative image of Mrs. Chanda
About the author
Tim Dustin writes for Global Christian Relief where he shares breaking news stories out of India to inform the Church around the world. Get the latest blogs and prayer requests at GlobalChristianRelief.org
