‘I would cry out to Jesus and ask him to heal me quickly—so that I could share the gospel with those who are in darkness.’
Pastor Rajendra* is passionate about seeing people won for Christ. It is a passion that has led to his suffering on several occasions.
He has been brutally and savagely attacked. He has seen members of his family attacked, too. He has also been arrested and imprisoned.
Voice of Persecuted Christians’ partner in India continues to provide vital support to Rajendra.
Will you, at this time, consider giving to Voice of Persecuted Christians, as we seek to support those who have suffered—and continue to suffer—for Christ and the gospel?
Several years ago Rajendra and his brother were attacked by a group of about 20 Hindu extremists who wanted to rid their village of Christianity. Rajendra’s brother was beaten and one assailant swung an axe towards Rajendra’s head. Instinctively, he raised his arms and both were hit. As he turned they struck him again from behind, leaving him unconscious, in a pool of blood.
A harrowing four-hour journey to hospital in an ambulance followed. Our partner visited the hospital to ensure Rajendra was given adequate medical treatment.
After his eventual discharge, Rajendra says he could neither stand nor sit. ‘I was desperate and kept praying to Jesus Christ while lying in bed, weeping.’ But he prayed for healing so he could continue his gospel ministry! ‘I wept and cried out constantly, praying to the Lord that I could glorify him again.’ Our partner provided Rajendra with financial assistance, including the costs of his treatment and medical care.
It would be fully six months before Rajendra was able to resume his pastoral ministry, leading services in a small building. ‘All the blood had drained from my body. My nerves were severed and my bone was dislocated. Now I am standing on my own feet. If this isn’t a miracle, what is?’ he said.
But last year Rajendra and his family were subjected to another brutal attack by Hindu extremists, armed with stones, swords and axes. This time the assault left his parents severely injured.
The very people who attacked them then went to the police station with false accusations, that resulted in Rajendra being wrongfully imprisoned for six months. Court cases are still outstanding, and Rajendra continues to travel 15 miles to hold worship gatherings. Through all of this Voice of Persecuted Christians’ partner continues to stand by his side, providing vital support for his family and funding his legal costs.
Your brothers and sisters around the world face the threat of violence and arrest for sharing the gospel, or for simply gathering together as followers of Christ.
Could you send a gift of £35 or more to Voice of Persecuted Christians, to help us support persecuted believers like Rajendra and his family?
‘The people who attacked us say, “You must stop worshipping God here. Otherwise, like earlier, we will beat you again.” But God has kept me alive,’ said Rajendra, ‘because the work entrusted to me is not yet done: that’s why I am still alive. The Holy Spirit gives us strength in our lives. In the church we fellowship, praise and worship God together—and go to the villages to preach in his name.’ His brother added, ‘As God has chosen us, no matter how many difficulties come, we will never stop preaching about God.’
Your gift or £35, £60, £100, £250—or whatever amount you are able to give at this time—can make a real difference in the lives of so many Christians who have suffered, and who, very often, continue to suffer persecution for their faith and witness.
Rajendra added, ‘I do feel afraid. I was beaten before, so the fear remains. But we pray and draw strength from God.’
Thank you for your concern for persecuted Christians around the world. Every gift you send enables us as a ministry to resource our partners on the ground, as they continue to do vital, and often life-preserving work, loving and caring for those who suffer for Christ.
Thank you, and God bless you.
Paul Robinson
Chief Executive Officer
* Name changed to protect those we serve
