“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” Acts 14:22

These words were spoken by Paul to strengthen and encourage the persecuted believers of the early church to remain true to the faith.  He spoke with personal knowledge of hardship, still carrying the bruises and scars from having been beaten and stoned and left for dead in the city of Derbe.

Hardships like these are difficult to imagine from the perspective of those of us in the USA who enjoy the blessing to worship freely and the blessing of protection and safety.  Yet these blessings are not experienced by many others in the Body of Christ worldwide.  Instead they know the blessing Jesus spoke of in his Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” Matt 5:11

We have been reading news reports and receiving emails from our Baptist partners in India about continuing persecution of Christians.  The latest eruption of violence is taking place in the Indian state of Orissa.  Christians were falsely accused in the murder of a leader in a Hindu organization at the end of August, despite a Maoist revolutionary group claiming responsibility.  This led to shocking attacks on Christians that included the gang rape of nuns, priests and pastors burned alive, and believers executed for not bowing to Hindu idols.  An Associated Press article recently reported that according to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, at least 26 people have died and 3,000 Christian homes have been destroyed along with 134 houses of worship.  The violence has been spreading with reports of churches vandalized and desecrated in the states of Karnataka and Kerala. 

Yet along with the spread of violence has also been the spread of concern for those who are suffering.  In many cities in India there have been marches and protests against this anti-Christian violence.  Pastor David Sagar of the Antioch Telegu Baptist Church in Chicago hosted a prayer vigil.  In Washington DC, there was a group of over 100 people holding placards and requesting President Bush to press the visiting Prime Minister of India to take immediate steps to stop the killing and destruction.  David will be going to India in November with a small team from American Baptist International Ministries to offer support and encouragement to Baptist church leaders.  We, too, can join in by taking the time to lift up our Indian brothers and sisters in Christ in prayer before the Lord, who alone can make us dwell in safety.

Paul asked the church of Thessalonica for their prayers.  “One more thing, friends: Pray for us.  Pray that the Master’s Word will simply take off and race through the country to a groundswell of response, just as it did among you.  And pray that we’ll be rescued from these scoundrels who are trying to do us in… The Master never lets us down.  He’ll stick by you and protect you from evil.” 2 Th. 2:1-3 (The Message)

Lord Jesus, you knew that your followers would be hated and persecuted.  Shortly before your death you prayed to your Father on their behalf.  Jesus, we join our prayers with yours today – protect from the evil one those who are called by your name in India.  Rescue them from people who come against them with fire and knives and other instruments of violence.  Spread your protection over them and hide them under your wing.  Give them the courage and grace to stand firm in their faith, bringing you honor and glory and being witnesses of your love and peace.  May the knowledge of you spread throughout that land as a result of their endurance and faithfulness.  Amen.

Betsy and David Perkins