Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: March 2, 2024
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:35;37)
Today we pray the hope and encouragement of this verse over a Christian family in India’s Chhattisgarh State. 35-year-old Ayatu Ram Podiyami and his family were violently attacked last month after they were repeatedly pressured to renounce their faith.
6 February
Tensions arose when a group of around 20 people approached Ayatu and asked if he would convert back to Hinduism. The family had converted to Christianity in 2020.
Ayatu refused to submit to the pressure – even after a large mob began to gather outside his house, prompting him to flee into the jungle.
When he returned a few hours later, he discovered his family had been given an ultimatum: convert to Hinduism by 12 February or face the consequences.
Ayatu called the police, but was told that similar incidents had been reported all over the region and that their hands were tied. The police did eventually try to diffuse the tensions, but the efforts were unsuccessful.
12 February
On 12 February, three people came to Ayatu’s home and asked if he was ready to renounce his faith. When he refused, the group hit him with rods, and he fell to the floor. His mother and brother pulled him away, at which point the assailants proceeded to assault his father, Mahngu.
The mob quickly grew larger, and Ayatu was again forced to flee into the jungle. When he returned after a few hours, he saw his father lying unconscious on the floor. Ayatu immediately took him and his brother to hospital, where all three men were admitted.
Ayatu’s father was in a critical condition, but since recovered to a point where there are no longer fears for his life.
To add to the injustice, the police intentionally fabricated details in the report required to open an investigation – claiming that the dispute was a ‘family feud’ and that the victims received their injuries by accident.
Please pray:
- For the family’s complete healing and recovery from this traumatic incident. Pray especially that there would be no lasting damage from Mahngu’s head injury.
- That the police would treat this case with the seriousness it deserves. Pray for a fair and thorough investigation that results in justice being served.
- For the protection of Ayatu’s family and others across the region who are facing similar threats to their safety.
- That the perpetrators of such attacks would be unable to continue with violent plans; for their change of heart and for practical measures to diffuse tensions within communities.