Christians Beaten by Militants in India
Pastor Dale Morgan
Christians Beaten by Militants in India*
The Voice of the Martyrs
Pastor T. L. Angam Haokip (31), who runs an orphanage and a Bible
college, was attacked by approximately thirty-five men on the morning
of September 8 in the village of Geddalahalli, Bangalore. Pastor Haokip
was driving when the men walked in front of his vehicle and forced him
to stop. They asked him if he was a pastor and when he said "yes" they
pulled him out on to the road. The men accused him of "ruining" the
nation and beat him in front of several witnesses. They tried to
crush his legs with boulders and also kicked him in the neck. Pastor
Haokip received severe injuries to his back and chest and his jeep was
destroyed. He tried to file a complaint at the local police station but
it was rejected and he was told that a complaint had been registered
against him for negligent driving.
On September 9, Pastor Sudhakar and four Christians visiting from
Singapore were attacked by members of Hindu militant groups while
leading a worship service at the Bethel Gospel Church in the village of
Amberpet, Hyderabad. According to a report from the All India Christian
Council, approximately three hundred believers were gathered when the
militants forcibly entered the church building and began to shout
curses against Christianity. The intruders beat Pastor Sudhakar with a
rod and also beat the four visitors. Prior to the attack, the militants
had filed a complaint at the local police station alleging that the
pastor and the Singapore team were involved in forcible conversion
activities.
Pray for healing for those injured in these attacks. Ask God to bless
the ministry of these pastors and other Christian workers spreading the
Gospel in India. Pray that the Lord will work in the lives of the
persecutors and lead them to faith in Christ.