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In the world’s largest democracy, persecution of Christians is organised, brutal and intensifying. Believers are attacked on all sides. But with the support of their worldwide family, India’s Christians stand firm on an unshakeable faith.
A young Christian woman lies in the street, bloodied and unconscious. Her clothes are torn. Her injuries are critical. Marks are visible around her neck where her attackers tried to strangle her.
This is a picture of persecution in India. It’s violent, targeted and carefully orchestrated – and so shocking that it’s making headlines around the world.
But look beyond the brutality, and there’s another story at work. A story of courageous, unshakeable faith. Because right now, Mehr* is recovering. People like you are praying and providing practical support which fills her with hope. And today Mehr says, “Jesus is everything to me.”
Growing up a Hindu
Mehr’s childhood was like many others in India, growing up in a Hindu family in a Hindu community. One day, an uncle invited her to church. She heard the gospel message of peace and healing, and gave her life to Jesus. Later, her mother and sisters did the same.
But the decision came at a huge cost.
Intense persecution
Every HK$580
could give a persecuted Christian a loan and training, so they can open a small business and support their family.
Persecution has been rising in India since 2014, and has intensified recently. That’s why Open Doors has raised awareness, prayer and support through the Impact India campaign for three years. Hindu extremists, driven by an ideology called Hindutva, desire to ‘cleanse’ the country of a Christian presence and influence. The country sits at number 10 on the World Watch List.
In addition, converts from impoverished areas, like Mehr, are often accused of illegally being paid to become Christians. Recently, two more states in India have introduced anti-conversion laws – bringing the total to 11 states. Though these laws purport to prevent forced conversions, they are often abused to falsely target Christians.
Christians are attacked on all sides. Social media is used to spread disinformation and stir up hatred. Believers are cut off from their community and family. Access to work, healthcare and justice is denied. But perhaps most shocking are the violent attacks, even to the point of murder.
Mehr’s mother and sister were returning home from a prayer meeting when a mob descended on them. Mehr saw and ran to help. But the persecutors turned on her.
“They beat me mercilessly and tried to strangle me with a cloth,” recalls Mehr, with tears in her eyes. “I went unconscious, and a bystander called for an ambulance. I was wounded and bleeding and suffering from several injuries.”
Mehr was rushed to hospital. But even there, the family could not escape persecution.
Relentless oppression
Even as Mehr lay in a hospital bed, her family were abused and threatened. They went to the authorities, but no one was ever questioned or arrested. One by one, Mehr’s loved ones lost their jobs.
Chillingly, the attackers even bribed the doctors and nurses caring for Mehr in hospital. The next day, treatment ended. Mehr was gripped by anxiety and fear. She felt hopeless and even contemplated suicide. But God had not abandoned Mehr – and neither had Open Doors local church partners.
Restored by love
“It’s true, I was devastated and crushed, unable to understand all that was happening,” said Mehr. “But when my sister or mother prayed with me, I was revitalised and strengthened by the Word of God.”
When everything looked dark, your prayers uplifted my family and me
Mehr
God was restoring Mehr spiritually, and Open Doors came alongside to help practically. Your generous support paid for Mehr’s medical bills, and helped move her to a hospital where Christians were welcomed. Since the family lost their income, our partners have provided groceries. Even now, Mehr continues to be supported by local church partners, thanks to you.
“God sent you as divine helpers. When everything looked dark, your prayers uplifted my family and me,” said Mehr. “Thank you so much for being an encourager in my life. Surely my cup overflows with blessings.”
Joy and purpose
Today, Mehr has extraordinary faith. She speaks of her ‘unexplainable joy in Christ’ and prays her persecutors would experience Jesus as she has.
Pray
that persecuted believers across India would stand firm with unshakeable faith.
This is the vital impact of your support and prayers. India’s Christians live with the daily threat of violent attack and persecution; the only reason they stand strong is because of you and the global church. With your support, believers like Mehr know they’re not alone – and their faith remains unshaken.
“Every circumstance guides me to a future and hope in Christ,” said Mehr. “God’s plan for my life is big and I will be used for His glory. Jesus Christ is everything to me.”
*Name changed to protect her identity
Will you help India’s Christians remain unshaken in their faith?
Please pray
Pray for Mehr’s physical healing as she recovers from injuries caused by the attack.
Pray that Mehr will be salt and light in her community, serving Jesus with courage and joy.
Pray that persecuted believers across India would stand firm with unshakeable faith.
Please Give
Every HK$580 could give a persecuted Christian a loan and training, so they can open a small business and support their family.
Every HK$820 could provide emergency food, medicine and shelter to four believers in India affected by persecution.
Every HK$980 could train 20 believers, equipping them with a biblical response to persecution.
