Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: February 22, 2020
‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ (John 10:10)
Jesus brought a message of freedom and the fullness of life. This week, pray this verse over two cases in Nepal where Christians face unjust criminal charges of attempting to convert others.
Last April Pastor Dili Ram and four others were arrested at a Christian leaders’ conference in Dang, Nepal. They were charged with distributing money to ‘allure people to convert to Christianity’ – despite telling police that the conference was simply to equip Christian leaders. Their case is due to be heard on Tuesday (25 February), after being postponed several times.
After he was arrested, Pastor Dili Ram was held in remand for seven days before being released. During that week he was denied all visits, and even though he’s diabetic he was not given adequate meals.
A few weeks ago we asked you to pray for Chinimaya and Pastor Tamang, a social worker and church leader from Nepal, who were also charged with attempted conversion in relation to their work with orphans. After many delays their case is also due to be heard this week, on Thursday.
In summary, please pray:
• That the hearings for Pastor Dili Ram, Chinimaya and Pastor Tamang would take place as scheduled this week after many delays.
• That all the unfair conversion charges would be dropped and all the accused would be freed unconditionally.
• For restrictive conversion laws across the South Asia region to be repealed, so that no one else is criminalised for legitimate peaceful activities.