JHARKHAND, India — After eight years of imprisonment under false accusations and numerous delays in justice proceedings, a Gospel for Asia-sponsored missionary in India has been released.
Samuel was arrested in 2004 in Jharkhand, India, on charges of participating in insurgency riots that left 19 dead. Despite avowing his innocence from the beginning and having no connection with the incident, he was immediately jailed. Within prison, he continued his ministry, sharing with others the good news of God’s love.
“I was thrilled to receive the phone call informing us that our Pastor Samuel was released from prison,” said K.P. Yohannan, Gospel for Asia (GFA) founder and president. “Jesus told us we should not be surprised of such persecution when we follow Him. Yet I am so relieved to know our prayers have been answered.”
Jharkhand is home to thousands of Naxalites — a Maoist rebel group. The government has been working hard to keep the peace in this state. However, after a vicious fight in which 19 policemen were killed, authorities mistakenly identified Samuel as one of the Naxalite rebels responsible for the attacks.
Samuel’s incarceration dragged into years as appeals and hearings were continually delayed, separating him from his wife and young daughter. During these eight years, as jailers came to trust him, they gave him permission to conduct prayer services on Sundays and Fridays within the prison. Many came to know Christ.
As early as August 2010, an Indian court ruled that all charges against him should be dropped, since evidence was insufficient to prove guilt of the crime or any association with the insurgents. However, a final hearing necessary for release was not scheduled on the court docket for many months, and then was delayed time after time.
During his incarceration, about 20 prisoners had come to know and follow God because of his ministry behind bars.
“What the enemy intended for evil, the Lord has used for good,” Yohannan said.
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