Dear Friends,
Some of you will already use the Open Doors prayer diary to pray for persecuted Christians around the world. October is a month of prayer for India which is now 11th in the Open Doors World Watch List of the most persecuting countries, despite being the world’s largest democracy with a constitution that guarantees religious freedom.
Hindu extremism is a particular problem, so it is appropriate to pray for Christian believers who come from a Hindu background. Here are two such prayer requests:
“Gallu* was abucted, beaten and tortured by local villagers to try to force him to renounce his faith. His house was also burnt down. Thankfully he escaped from his abductors. Pray for physical and emotional healing for Gallu, and for protection for local believers who are extremely fearful.”
“When Mamta* decided to follow Jesus, Hindu extremists placed her name on a list and presented it to a senior government official, accusing her of converting other Hindus to Christianity. Pray for protection for Mamta and her children and ask the Lord to bring her wider family to know him.” (*Not their real names)
It’s hard to imagine how we would manage in similar circumstances. We can give thanks for their faith in Christ and pray for them as requested, and also pray that the Lord might give us similar courage. You can get the prayer diary for yourself from www.opendoorsuk.org
Yours warmly, in Christ,
Chris Hobbs (Senior Minister/Vicar)