Source: www.persecution.org
Date: January 6, 2020
India (International Christian Concern) – A church was demolished by suspected radical Hindu nationalists in a village called Kongalnagaram, located in India’s Tamil Nadu state. According to local Christians, the church was completely destroyed after the radicals vandalized three cars parked in front of the church building.
Pastor Nallamuthu Samuel, head pastor of Grace Gospel Church, explained that a mob of nearly 30 individuals attacked the church at around midnight on January 1, 2020. Three church members, who were sleeping inside the church, were awoken when the mob began smashing the widows of the three cars parked in front of the church. According to local Christians, the three Christians quickly fled the mob, fearing for their lives.
After damaging the three cars, the radicals turned their fury upon Grace Gospel Church. As a result, some $3,500.00 in damage was done to the church building in addition to the damage to the cars.
According to Pastor Samuel, he was confronted by five radicals earlier that same day. “Five people came to the church and threatened me to close down the church and leave the village,” Pastor Samuel told International Christian Concern (ICC). “Later, those same five people complained against me that I was involved in converting people to Christianity by illegally alluring people.”
“God has called me to minister in this place covering 16 villages,” Pastor Samuel continued. “I will continue to stay here, but I am not sure if we will be able to undo the damage caused by the attackers. However, I am determined to continue my ministry.”
Local Christians registered a First Information Report (FIR #3 of 2020) with police. According to the most recent information, the police are investigating the matter.
HOW TO PRAY: Pray for protection for this congregation. Pray for the congregation’s response to shine the light of Christ. Pray for the attackers to be held accountable.