In Manipur, relief centers offer hope for persecuted Christians

Our persecuted brothers & sisters in India are still struggling after violent riots broke out earlier this month in the northeastern state of Manipur—stoked by Hindu nationalism and hateful, anti-Christian sentiment.

The minority population of believers quickly became a target; to date, 108 villages have been completely destroyed, 200+ churches have been burned down, over 80 lives have been taken (including many Christian tribal citizens) and 66,000 people—mostly Christ followers—have been displaced from their homes. Then a cyclone brought extreme weather to the region, further compounding the issue. 

Priya recounted the difficult choices believers had to make as the riots shattered their lives. “People were forced to flee to the jungles and other places of safety away from their homes with only the clothes they wore,” she remarked. “Their survival is at stake. They face an uncertain future as they have lost all their belongings.” 

As Global Christian Relief is on the ground working with our partners like Priya to rectify this terrible situation, your continued prayers and support are greatly appreciated. 

“Many people, mostly Christians, have been severely impacted and left stranded. We have opened two emergency relief centers, offering food, shelter, medicine and more. This systematic relief operation will take place in two phases. We estimate that we’ll serve over 10,000 believers,” says Priya.  

“As of now, more [survivors] are coming in every day. And it is believed that the number of those who have been severely injured may increase as counting progresses. We are making immediate arrangements for the extremely hot summer weather. We have also started training local leaders to counsel people who are traumatized.”

While the Indian federal government has deployed the army to quell the riots, violence continues. Just days ago, some believers returned to their damaged homes to gather belongings and have since gone missing. The worst is thought. 

But in the midst of this growing tragedy, we know God hasn’t forgotten His children in India. Psalm 34:18-19 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” 

With this scripture in mind, will you join us in prayer for the relief efforts in Manipur? 

Father God, we come before You with the believers of Manipur on our hearts. So many have lost everything—absolutely everything—and are now in need of shelter, with desperate questions about their future. We ask You to comfort them with Your peace. 

We pray that You would strengthen our sister, Priya, and everyone involved in the relief efforts. Equip the believers who are counseling the brokenhearted, that they may help our dear brothers and sisters heal from the hurt and violence.  

We also pray for those who continue to riot, loot and plunder. You know them by name and see their hearts. We ask You to intervene in their lives in miraculous ways so that somehow—through all the chaos—they will come to know You. Amen.

Want to help our brothers and sisters in Manipur? Your gift of $70 can provide a hurting Indian believer with critical refuge at one of our emergency relief centers. Please give now to supply food, shelter, medicine and more.

*Name changed to preserve security