INDIA (TAB, GFA) – A mob of approximately 1,000 people destroyed a Christian church under construction in northern India on Aug. 25, according to Gospel for Asia (GFA).
The church’s pastor, his mother and church members were beaten after the building was demolished. They were able to flee and went into hiding for the night. The extent of their injuries is not known. No deaths were reported.
“It is our desire that these who are persecuting will know the love of God for (themselves),” GFA Founder and President K. P. Yohannan said.
The church had withstood resistance for almost two years, forcing members to start and stop construction on the building.
The mob rallied villagers to a meeting and incited them to attack, GFA reported, even after the pastor had halted construction for the day due to tension with the group earlier that afternoon.
On Aug. 26, regional leaders prayed and then met with local police, who declined to become involved. Despite continuing threats, the leaders returned to the site to survey the damage and take photos, according to GFA.
Church leaders have requested prayer that God will protect the pastor, his family and the congregation and open the eyes of the villagers so they might experience the love of Jesus. (TAB, GFA)
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