Dear Reverend Diaz,

Disturbing news came to us this weekend from the field. Pray with us that God will use this incident to bring many precious souls into the Kingdom. Here is the latest from India:

"In Orissa, India, where missionary Staines and his two sons were martyred, Gospel workers continue to face persecution.

Anti-Christian fundamentalists had warned six missionaries with Gospel for Asia not to preach about Jesus. But the team sensed God’s call to continue ministering despite the opposition, especially since new believers needed discipleship. How could they abandon them?

Today the opposers kept their promise and beat the six men with the intent to kill. Onlookers intervened, however, and their lives were spared. The men were beaten so badly they needed hospital treatment. Pray for their full recovery and strength. While in the hospital, they all testified of their joy in being counted worthy to suffer for Christ. No matter what the cost, they are committed to returning to the same mission station to continue the ministry God gave them.

Like several other Indian states, Orissa has an anti-conversion law in effect. Pray for souls to come to Christ in Orissa and the believers to stay strong in their faith. "

For those who have never heard,
John Schwartz

Six GFA Missionaries Beaten for Sharing Christ - 01/26/04

In Orissa, India, where missionary Staines and his two sons were martyred, Gospel workers continue to face persecution.

Anti-Christian fundamentalists had warned six missionaries with Gospel for Asia (www.gfa.org) not to preach about Jesus. But the team sensed God’s call to continue ministering despite the opposition, especially since new believers needed discipleship. How could they abandon them?

Today the opposers kept their promise and beat the six men with the intent to kill. Onlookers intervened, however, and their lives were spared. The men were beaten so badly they needed hospital treatment. Pray for their full recovery and strength. While in the hospital, they all testified of their joy in being counted worthy to suffer for Christ. No matter what the cost, they are committed to returning to the same mission station to continue the ministry God gave them.

Like several other Indian states, Orissa has an anti-conversion law in effect. Pray for souls to come to Christ in Orissa and the believers to stay strong in their faith.

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A Prisoner's Prayers - 01/23/04

Much noise arose from the two prison cells. It was just a short time ago that Anand was free, living in his Indian village. But when he and his family became Christians, their lives changed completely. Jesus filled his desperate heart with such joy and peace; he just couldn’t keep it to himself. Anand’s family tried to tell their neighbors this Good News, but they wouldn’t listen. And Ramju, a very adamant anti-Christian neighbor, became enraged and argued with Anand.

Dejected after one of these arguments, Anand returned home, praying and hoping Ramju’s heart would be changed. Meanwhile, Ramju was angrily plotting against Anand. He went to the police and filed false charges against Anand, fabricating crimes and misdeeds. More neighbors joined Ramju, saying Anand killed their sheep. They provided a bribe to ensure the Christian’s imprisonment.

The police discovered that Ramju’s accusations were false and arrested him. But because of the bribe, they arrested Anand, too. Anand cried out that he was innocent, but the police would not listen. Ignoring his pleas, they put him in prison. In his prison cell, Ramju grew even more angry with Anand, and began calling him names. Anand cried out to the Lord. Ramju continued his abuse, even speaking out against the Lord. Weeping, the distraught man continued to ask the Lord for deliverance, believing for a miracle.

Late into the night, both men continued their vocal cries: one screaming fiery words, the other pleading, crying, praying. Suddenly the guard stood up, opened the bars, and freed them. Ramju couldn’t believe it. Anand was amazed yet understood why: He knew it was an answer to his prayers.

Later that night, they each arrived home safely. Anand thanked the Lord, while Ramju pondered what had happened. Today Ramju, knowing he experienced the power of God, can be seen telling others in his village that Jesus answered Anand’s prayer and released them from jail.

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