The women never arrived because as they
were boarding the transport, a male activ-
ist, extremely intolerant to the Gospel, asked
where they were going. They innocently re-
sponded in truth, saying they were going to
a prayer meeting. On hearing this, the man
made a scene and loudly objected, threaten-
ing to pour kerosene on himself and then set
himself on fire. The women decided not to go.
While at the party/prayer meeting, Rev. R
and LR received news that a police inspector
had visited LR’s home, along with about 50
anti-Christian protestors. They threatened his
family, angry that they had accepted Christ.
The police inspector tried to intimidate S,
asking her why she had left her own religion
where she could bow at the altars of many
gods and goddesses. LR’s children were afraid of the police officer and the many protes-
tors. But Sister S, without fear, confronted the policeman, saying, “Yes, I have accepted the
Lord Jesus Christ. I changed my religion, and I will not bow down before the altar of these
gods and goddesses even if you slit my throat.”
The situation remained tense in the village for the next couple of days. The male activist
constantly hung around outside the house of LR and S, making it impossible for the family
to go out to disciples others. Those two days were tough for the family. The next day, one of
the pastors called for a meeting to reorganize and strengthen their prayer for all Christians
living in this area dealing with persecution.
Soon thereafter, by the grace of God, police authorities and government officials chose
not to press charges against LR’s family. Strict warnings were given to the local Christians
not to pray or preach the Gospel outside their homes during elections.
During this whole time, LR, S, and their children remained strong in their faith and did
not stop worshiping God. s
*Names withheld for security reasons.
photos page 12-13: OMS stock photos of Indian believers
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