FLARE IN BJP-RUN MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA: Since the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in Madhya Pradesh in December 2003, Christians in the state have suffered increased attacks and concerted efforts to tarnish their image, church leaders said. Full Story>>

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Pastor Vanamali Pareshudham 

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ear Donna,  

Three strikes to the back of his head and Pastor Vanamali Pareshudham fell unconscious.  After 8 days the police still had made no arrests.  The attack is presumed to have been at the hand of Hindu extremist RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) who opposed his preaching and the new prayer house he recently opened in Narketpalli, Andhra Pradish state.  Pareshudham has experienced fierce persecution, even from his parents, since his conversion to Christianity 6 years ago.  

Andhra Pradish state has reported 14 acts of anti-Christian violence this year from January through August.  Pastor Pareshudham says, “I am afraid and fear facing more attacks in the future, but I will continue to preach and go to the prayer house.”

Father, thank you that Your gospel is being preached in power and authority by Pastor Pareshudham and others in India.  Protect these pastors and their families.  In the midst of their persecution, cause what was meant for evil to multiply Your work through-out India and ignite within Your servants courage to continue speaking boldly.     

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Dear Friend of the Persecuted,

There’s still a small window of time to seek justice for oppressed Christians in Orissa, India.

Just over a year ago Hindu extremists launched a violent attack on Christians.

The cruelty was too immense for words. Humiliated, violated, beaten and martyred. Those who survived were forced to flee their homes.

It all began with a setup. Christians in the surrounding community were blamed for the assassination of Hindu leader Swami Laxmanananda.

120 Christians murdered, 250 Christian churches demolished and now over 50,000 displaced people looking for a home.
But you can help change this.

In an effort to seek justice for victims of the violent attacks in Orissa last year, Representative Trent Franks (R-CA) and Representative Emmanuel Cleaver (D-MO) have jointly sponsored a letter to the Chief Minister of Orissa, Navin Patnaik.

Please take a moment to send a message to your representative asking him or her to sign the letter to the Chief Minister of Orissa. To date, 11 U.S. Representatives have signed on to the letter.

The more support the letter has, the greater the pressure is placed on the Chief Minister to take action on behalf of persecuted Christians in Orissa.

Advocating with you,






Lindsay Vessey
Advocacy Director

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Dear Donna,

Now is your chance to give a voice to oppressed Christians in Orissa, India.

Just over a year has passed since Hindu extremists launched a horrendous attack on Christians.

The suffering was too immense for words. Humiliated, violated, beaten and martyred. Those who survived were forced to flee their homes.

It all started with a setup. The blame for the assassination of Hindu leader Swami Laxmanananda fell on Christians in the surrounding community.

120 Christians murdered, 250 Christian churches demolished and now over 50,000 displaced people looking for a home.

But you can help change this.

In response to this outbreak of violence, Rep. Trent Franks and Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver have co-sponsored a letter to the Chief Minister of Orissa, Navin Patnaik.

Take one minute to send a message to your representative asking him or her to sign the letter to the Chief Minister of Orissa.

The more support the letter has, the greater the pressure is placed on the Chief Minister to take action on behalf of persecuted Christians in Orissa.

Advocating with you,






Lindsay Vessey
Open Doors Advocacy Director

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August 20, 2009

Dear Donna,

We are excited to invite you to attend a special conference call forum on Monday, August 24 from 10-11AM (PST).

We have created this unique opportunity because you are an avid and loyal advocate for persecuted Christians and have demonstrated your commitment to pray for the persecuted church.

The forum will be hosted by Open Doors President, Dr. Carl Moeller, the Prayer Director, Michele Miller, and the Advocacy Director, Lindsay Vessey. We'll provide an update on the situation in Orissa, host a time of prayer for our brothers and sisters in India, and unveil an exciting upcoming advocacy campaign in which you'll play a vital part.

Make sure to RSVP because we'll need to save your spot in the forum!

As regular participants in the Prayer and Advocacy Programs at Open Doors, many of you know that this August marks the one-year anniversary of the outbreak of anti-Christian violence in Orissa, India, which was started when Hindu leader Swami Laxmanananda was assassinated.

Since the outbreak of the violence last year, at least 120 people were murdered, 250 churches were destroyed, and over 50,000 individuals were displaced. Sadly thousands of Christians are still in relief camps and little has been done to bring justice to this situation. Watch the video>>

For this reason, we need to join hands in prayer and advocacy to seek justice for these precious brothers and sisters.

We hope you can join us! To join the call, dial 712-432-0031 and use enter 1063343 for the pass code.

Michele & Lindsay  

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July 15, 2009

Dear Donna,    

Nearly 11 months after the wave of anti-Christian attacks shook Orissa, the reign of terror continues.  Of the more than 750 cases filed in various police stations, only one has resulted in conviction. The Rev. Dibya Paricha said several witnesses who were willing to testify are shrinking away to save their lives.

Compass News reports that a witness refused to testify against the perpetrators regarding his brother’s murder. “During the trial, the younger brother of the victim, said he did not know anything about the case,” said Paricha. “The previous day, he had said that he would tell the truth so that the culprits would be punished ... From a reliable a source we came to know that he was threatened with death.” 

Christians however saw a ray of hope on July 4 when a fast-track court convicted a tribal leader of arson, the first conviction since the attacks. The court sentenced a 58-year-old Chakradhar Mallick to two years of prison and a fine of 1,000 rupees (US$20). In August 2008 Mallick had burned the house of a Christian, Loknath Digal, and threatened to kill him.

This August marks the one year anniversary of the outbreak of anti-Christian violence in Orissa which resulted in the murders of 120 people, the destruction of 252 churches, and the displacement of 54,000 individuals.  Open Doors will launch a campaign to once again draw attention to this situation which has yet to be rectified by the Indian government.  Your prayers and participation in next month's campaign will let our brothers and sisters in Orissa know that they are not alone.  

Praying together,

The Prayer Force Team

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NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Emily Sollie, 410-230-2802, 443-220-3269 cell, esollie@lwr.org

LWR commits additional funds for food and water to displaced Sri Lankans

Baltimore, May 4, 2009 - Lutheran World Relief is providing urgently needed food and clean water in response to the swelling numbers of people displaced by the worsening conflict in Sri Lanka.

Armed conflict in Sri Lanka continues to escalate between the government and the separatist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as government forces intensify operations to seize land under the control of the LTTE. The conflict has taken a heavy toll on the civilian population of northern Sri Lanka, with more than 300,000 people displaced and an estimated 200,000 civilians trapped in the zone of military operations. 

As the number of displaced people increases, the Sri Lankan government is attempting to provide shelter in temporary camps. The displaced, including many separated families, injured and sick people, face severe shortages of food and water.

 “This emergency has the potential to claim as many lives from lack of food and water as from conflict,” says Joanne Fairley, LWR’s Regional Director for Asia and the Middle East. “LWR is working with partners on the ground to reach as many people as possible and help them with food, water and other critical needs.”

Lutheran World Relief has already committed $50,000 in response to this crisis. LWR will work with local organizations to deliver food and water. An additional $500,000 is needed to mount a comprehensive relief effort, and LWR has issued an urgent appeal to its donors to contribute toward this effort.

LWR is responding to this crisis in partnership with two local organizations. LWR will provide food and non-food relief items to more than 15,000 people for the next three months.

“The entire situation in Sri Lanka remains unstable. Our first priority is to ensure that people have what they need to survive,” adds Fairley.

Lutheran World Relief is accepting donations for the Sri Lanka crisis online at lwr.org/giving, via telephone at 800-LWR-LWR-2, or by mail at P.O. Box 17061 Baltimore, MD 21298-9832.

You may unsubscribeat any time.

WHO IS LWR? Lutheran World Relief, an international nonprofit organization, works to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world's most impoverished communities to help themselves. With partners in 35 countries, LWR seeks to promote sustainable development with justice and dignity by helping communities bring about change for healthy, safe and secure lives; engage in Fair Trade; promote peace and reconciliation; and respond to emergencies. LWR is headquartered in Baltimore, Md. and has worked in international development and relief since 1945.

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According to the annual Open Doors World Watch List of the most dangerous countries in the world for Christians to live, India is ranked at number 22.  Read more about the elections in India, the ongoing violence, and what you can do to strengthen persecuted Christians on the Open Doors Website.  

Additional Prayer Requests for India    

• Pray that the continuing violence against Christens in India will stop and for complete recovery for the victims from both physical and emotional trauma.
• Pray for the extremists; that they will understand the enormity of their crimes, and the Lord will grant them repentance and salvation.
• Pray for strength within the Church in India; that it will be a powerful witness for the truth of the Gospel.     

As you pray this week for India we ask that you pray also for America during the National Day of Prayer on Thursday May 7th.  In 1952 President Truman declared an annual, national day of prayer and in 1988 President Ronald Reagan permanently set the day as the first Thursday of every May.  Join in prayer for our nation, our leaders, and the Church in America. 

Lord, our heart aches for Your people in India and around the world who are sharing in your suffering. Thank you for the privilege you have given us - to stand united with them in prayer.

The Prayer Force Team 

News Source Compass Direct News 
Read the full report on these and other stories on the Open Doors Website.

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May 6, 2009 

Dear Donna,   

Stakes are High for Christians in India's Elections  

The Christian minority in India are praying for a secular party to come to power when the results are tallied on May 16th.  In a nation of over 1.1 billion people only 2.3 percent are Christians. The time is now to blanket this nation in prayer…”    

Father we come before Your throne of compassion asking for Your wisdom and Your will to prevail in all the events surrounding the elections In India. We ask for leaders to be elected that are committed to peace, justice and protecting the rights of all Indian citizens. This includes the commitment to allow Christians to worship and share the Gospel freely. “For there is no authority except that which God established.” Romans 13:1

The concern of Indian Christians can be understood against the backdrop of the past decade since 1998, when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came into power at the federal level, marking the beginning of systematic persecution of Christians. In January 1999, an Australian missionary, Graham Staines, and his two young sons were burned alive in Orissa’s Keonjhar district. From 2000 to 2004, around 200 anti-Christian attacks were reported each year from various parts of the nations. At least 165 anti-Christian attacks were reported in 2005, and over 130 in 2006. Every year the number of attacks grows; in 2007 the total number of violent anti-Christian incidents rose to over 1,000.

Last year turned out to be the worst year yet for Christians living in India. Since last August the extremist’s rampage in the state of Orissa resulted in over 50,000 Christians displaced, more than 4,000 homes destroyed, and the murder of approximately 120 Christians, including the death of seven clergy.  

Heavenly Father, comfort Your people in India with the knowledge that You are with them. We ask that You provide divine protection over each one as they go to the polls to vote shielding them from both physical and verbal abuse.  “For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”  Psalm 91:11

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ORISSA ARCHBISHOP - GOV'T IGNORED VIOLENCE BECAUSE VICTIMS ARE POOR: “The Indian government ignored the brutal anti-Christian campaign in the remote state of Orissa for months because the population is poor and uneducated,” said Catholic Archbishop Raphael Cheenath on Wednesday at an event discussing the state of religious freedom in India.
Full Story >>

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Open Doors Teams Bring Comfort and Aid to Orissa's Terrified Christians
The reports make harrowing reading. Modern India’s worst-ever spate of violent persecution of Christians broke out in Orissa last August. But in actual fact, the story began decades ago.
Read more>>

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INDIA - Christians in Orissa state can finally look forward to a peaceful Christmas celebration this year. On Saturday, December 20 the state government officially called off the proposed statewide ‘bandh’ that would have incited more violence upon Christians and other minority groups, according to the Christian Post. The proposed ‘bandh’ was originally set in place by Hindu extremists to take place on December 25.

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Authorities in an Egyptian village arrested 50 Christians, whose shops were then looted to pacify Muslims following violence that erupted on Nov 4. Muslim villagers attacked the homes and shops of the Christians after 14-year-old believer Mina William failed to dismount his donkey as a funeral procession passed. Members of the procession reportedly beat William before completing the procession. According to Compass Direct News, the processional members later attacked homes and shops of local Christians before police broke up the crowd with tear gas. Police in the village have since harassed Christians through intimidation, “fines” and racketeering, taking an estimated $50,000 from village Christians, sources said. Read more on these attacks on Christians in India.          

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Dear Donna, 

A paramilitary soldier assigned to protect Christians from Hindu violence in Orissa was mutilated and killed by a mob on Oct. 13. The body of the soldier was recovered from a nearby forest. According to Compass Direct News, the death marks the first time that central security personnel have been targeted in Orissa of the riots powered by Hindu extremist fervor.  The violence stems from a Hindu extremist group that insists on blaming Christians for the Aug. 23 murder of Hindu leader Laxmanananda Saraswati, even though Maoists admitted killing him and four associates.  Read more about this horrific attack and the continual violence in Orissa state.        

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Christians in Pastor Rajendra’s church know many blessings. Numbering almost 3,000, they meet together for worship every Saturday and Sunday. The Lord is at work among them. Many have been delivered from sickness.

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Dear Donna,

These are just a few words that describe the desperate situation of Christians in Orissa, India. Although the American media has barely mentioned these events, they are very real, very terrifying, and ongoing since August. Read more, or watch the FOX 11 video coverage.

Our brothers and sisters need our help to bring international pressure upon the Indian government to stop the violence now!

A simple phone call could save lives by helping to quell the violence. Please call your U.S. Representative and ask him/her to co-sponsor House Concurrent Resolution 434 when Congress reconvenes.  This resolution calls on the Indian government to stop the violence against Christians in Orissa. 

Thank you for taking action! 

Advocating with you,




Lindsay Vessey
Advocacy Program Manager

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ORGANIZED BY THE SOCIETY OF THE PRINCE OF PEACE

P. EPHRAIM

Pastor

 To,

 Dear sister in Christ

Greetings to you in the most precious name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ

   Brother, I am bring s said news, that is in my country my side state Orissa, some Hindu groups are attacked some church and some Christian families, this situation is doing the month of August 30th,

   I and my church believers are visited that place and see that situation personally. And we prepared that situation in this site, www.prayfororissachristians.blogspot.com

 I see and I gathered the information is

1.  They Attacked Districts                                      =14

2. They Attacked Villages                                       =1,100

3. They Attacked our Denominations                       =35

4. They Attacked God servants (Pastors)                  =360

5. They Attacked Christian families                           =18,000

6. They Attacked Churches and prayer houses          =1,100

7. Our Christians are flee to that situation                  =78,000

8. Wounded our Christians                                       =36,000

9. Our Christians died and burnt                                =100 above
      

 sister, this information is correct and I go that place and see our Christians situation. So, please pray for my people. Our Christians are lost their house and their churches and also they lived in horrific position. I and my team to accumulation some used clothes and some cooking items. But we are failed to accumulate these items to Orissa Christians, any one did not help to Orissa people in my area. One thing is here my people are poor, but in the poor situation they did not help. Please pray for my people needs and they come to their homes and they are all worship our God.

   sister, please do any help to my Orissa people, you send any help to me we go and distribute that help to my Christian brothers on your name. We pray for you and your family and also your ministries. I am waiting for your kind reply.

Thanking you sister

Yours brother in Christ

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“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” (Psalm 5:3)

Dear Donna, 

INDIA - Two more Christians were killed in Orissa state after Hindu extremists set fire to nearly 400 homes last week. A local Christian, who wished to remain unnamed, told Compass Direct News that after killing the two men, the assailants massacred cattle belonging to village Christians and burned Christian-owned houses. During this attack, Lalji Nayak and 14 others were wounded. Nayak died from axe wounds and his wife received a serious head injury from an axe blow just below the ear after a Hindu extremist mob attacked their village.  Read more about the violence in Orissa and also seek justice on behalf of persecuted Christians in Orissa.     

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INDIA - After three weeks of widespread attacks on Christians and their property in Orissa state and other parts of the country, the federal government has finally stepped in. As more incidents of violence were reported from Orissa and the southern state of Karnataka yesterday, the federal government issued an official warning to the two states under Article 355 of the Indian Constitution, according to a new report from Indo-Asian News Service (IANS).

In Orissa’s Kandhamal district, mobs burned down two prayer houses on Sept. 17, according to The Indian Express daily. Compass Direct News reported that Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, Raphael Cheenath, also received a death threat. “ [Hindu groups] threatened to kill me,” he said. “Is this how civilized society behaves?” Read more about the attacks in Orissa and Karnataka.

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Dear Donna,

Anti-Christian violence continues unabated in Orissa, India since late August. Hindu extremists continue to hunt down Christians, burn down their homes and churches, and blame them for the murder of Hindu leader Swamiji Laxmanananda Saraswati despite Maoists already claiming responsibility for his murder.

The attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 45 Christians, the destruction of 115 churches and 4,000 homes.  About 20,000 people have been displaced by the violence and are hiding in refugee camps. And still, the federal Indian government has not forced the state of Orissa to stop the violence against Christians.

These Christians need our help today. Please send an email  to the Indian Ambassador, Ronen Sen asking him to ensure a cessation of  the violence and justice for both perpetrators and victims.

You can send an email directly from the Open Doors website today! 

Thank you for upholding these Christians in your prayers.

Advocating with you,




Lindsay Vessey
Advocacy Program Manager

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Two weeks ago, Hindu extremists began attacking Christians due to false accusations that they were behind the murders of Hindu leader Swamiji Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his disciples. The attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 100 Christians, two of whom were burned alive. The mobs also destroyed hundreds of houses and churches and forced thousands of Christians to flee for their lives into the surrounding jungle. Despite the brutality of the violence against Christians, the Indian government has been slow to offer protection for the Christians living in Orissa, who constitute only 2.4% of the Hindu dominated region. Read more about the violence in Orissa on our website.

We need your help. Please take a moment now to email the Indian Ambassador, Ronen Sen, urging him to:  

• Order an official inquiry into the situation
• Seek justice for both the perpetrators and victims of the violence
• Deploy sufficient military forces to the affected areas to prevent further violence against Christians.

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Dear Donna,

With the current media focus on the upcoming presidential election, you may not have heard about the urgent situation for Christians living in the Indian state of Orissa who need your help. 

Two weeks ago, Hindu extremists began attacking Christians due to false accusations that they were behind the murders of Hindu leader Swamiji Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his disciples.

The attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 100 Christians, two of whom were burned alive. The mobs also destroyed hundreds of houses and churches and forced thousands of Christians to flee for their lives into the surrounding jungle. 

Despite the brutality of the violence against Christians, the Indian government has been slow to offer protection for the tiny minority of Christians who live in Orissa.

Please take a moment now to email the Indian Ambassador, Ronen Sen, urging him to:

• order an official inquiry into the situation;
• seek justice for both the perpetrators and victims of the violence; and
• deploy sufficient military forces to the affected areas to prevent further violence against Christians.

Thank you for speaking out on behalf of suffering Christians in Orissa!

Advocating with you,

Lindsay Vessey
Advocacy Program Manager

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Tuesday September 09, 2008

New Delhi, Aug 30, IRNA

India-Orissa-Christians
The Asian Center for Human Rights (ACHR) claimed that over 50 persons, mainly Christians, have been killed since the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists launched an attack on Christians last week.

It said that the deaths followed the murder of four of VHP members, including 90-year-old Laxmananda Saraswati by unidentified gunmen on August 23, 2008.

Providing the names of 20 victims killed so far, it said: "This is an abject failure of the Indian state to protect the right to life of the citizens. Since all entry roads have been blocked with logs and the law enforcement personnel have access to remote areas of the district, the Hindu fundamentalists are being allowed to carry out mass killings of the Christians."
According to ANI report, Suhas Chakma, director of ACHR, stated that thousands of Christians have fled their villages and some 5,000 people are now living in seven relief camps at Chakapad, Tikabali, G.

Udaygiri, Raikia, Baliguda, K. Nuagoan and Phiringia.

About 200 villages have been affected by the organized attacks and hundreds of churches, including house churches have been burnt, he added.

Criticizing the Orissa Government, the ACHR stated that instead of increasing security, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had suspended the Superintendent of Police of Kandhamal and ordered a judicial probe. It further accused Patnaik of ordering an investigation by the State Crime Branch and no one knows who is in charge of inquiries.

"What was required was the deployment of security forces given the attacks on the Christians during the Christmas in 2007," asserted Chakma.

It called for the restoration of the rule of law and appropriate redressal to victims displaced by the violence, besides establishing an independent inquiry into the events to establish responsibility and take steps to prevent any further politicization of communal tensions.

www.soulsaveministriesindia.blogspot.com

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Dear Donna,

With the current media focus on the upcoming presidential election, you may not have heard about the urgent situation for Christians living in the Indian state of Orissa who need your help. 

Two weeks ago, Hindu extremists began attacking Christians due to false accusations that they were behind the murders of Hindu leader Swamiji Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his disciples.

The attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 100 Christians, two of whom were burned alive. The mobs also destroyed hundreds of houses and churches and forced thousands of Christians to flee for their lives into the surrounding jungle. 

Despite the brutality of the violence against Christians, the Indian government has been slow to offer protection for the tiny minority of Christians who live in Orissa.

Please take a moment now to email the Indian Ambassador, Ronen Sen, urging him to:

• order an official inquiry into the situation;
• seek justice for both the perpetrators and victims of the violence; and
• deploy sufficient military forces to the affected areas to prevent further violence against Christians.

Thank you for speaking out on behalf of suffering Christians in Orissa!

Advocating with you,

Lindsay Vessey
Advocacy Program Manager

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Tuesday September 09, 2008

New Delhi, Aug 30, IRNA

India-Orissa-Christians
The Asian Center for Human Rights (ACHR) claimed that over 50 persons, mainly Christians, have been killed since the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists launched an attack on Christians last week.

It said that the deaths followed the murder of four of VHP members, including 90-year-old Laxmananda Saraswati by unidentified gunmen on August 23, 2008.

Providing the names of 20 victims killed so far, it said: "This is an abject failure of the Indian state to protect the right to life of the citizens. Since all entry roads have been blocked with logs and the law enforcement personnel have access to remote areas of the district, the Hindu fundamentalists are being allowed to carry out mass killings of the Christians."
According to ANI report, Suhas Chakma, director of ACHR, stated that thousands of Christians have fled their villages and some 5,000 people are now living in seven relief camps at Chakapad, Tikabali, G.

Udaygiri, Raikia, Baliguda, K. Nuagoan and Phiringia.

About 200 villages have been affected by the organized attacks and hundreds of churches, including house churches have been burnt, he added.

Criticizing the Orissa Government, the ACHR stated that instead of increasing security, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had suspended the Superintendent of Police of Kandhamal and ordered a judicial probe. It further accused Patnaik of ordering an investigation by the State Crime Branch and no one knows who is in charge of inquiries.

"What was required was the deployment of security forces given the attacks on the Christians during the Christmas in 2007," asserted Chakma.

It called for the restoration of the rule of law and appropriate redressal to victims displaced by the violence, besides establishing an independent inquiry into the events to establish responsibility and take steps to prevent any further politicization of communal tensions.

www.soulsaveministriesindia.blogspot.com

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Tuesday September 09, 2008

New Delhi, Aug 30, IRNA

India-Orissa-Christians
The Asian Center for Human Rights (ACHR) claimed that over 50 persons, mainly Christians, have been killed since the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists launched an attack on Christians last week.

It said that the deaths followed the murder of four of VHP members, including 90-year-old Laxmananda Saraswati by unidentified gunmen on August 23, 2008.

Providing the names of 20 victims killed so far, it said: "This is an abject failure of the Indian state to protect the right to life of the citizens. Since all entry roads have been blocked with logs and the law enforcement personnel have access to remote areas of the district, the Hindu fundamentalists are being allowed to carry out mass killings of the Christians."
According to ANI report, Suhas Chakma, director of ACHR, stated that thousands of Christians have fled their villages and some 5,000 people are now living in seven relief camps at Chakapad, Tikabali, G.

Udaygiri, Raikia, Baliguda, K. Nuagoan and Phiringia.

About 200 villages have been affected by the organized attacks and hundreds of churches, including house churches have been burnt, he added.

Criticizing the Orissa Government, the ACHR stated that instead of increasing security, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had suspended the Superintendent of Police of Kandhamal and ordered a judicial probe. It further accused Patnaik of ordering an investigation by the State Crime Branch and no one knows who is in charge of inquiries.

"What was required was the deployment of security forces given the attacks on the Christians during the Christmas in 2007," asserted Chakma.

It called for the restoration of the rule of law and appropriate redressal to victims displaced by the violence, besides establishing an independent inquiry into the events to establish responsibility and take steps to prevent any further politicization of communal tensions.

www.soulsaveministriesindia.blogspot.com

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Dear Donna,

With the current media focus on the upcoming presidential election, you may not have heard about the urgent situation for Christians living in the Indian state of Orissa who need your help. 

Two weeks ago, Hindu extremists began attacking Christians due to false accusations that they were behind the murders of Hindu leader Swamiji Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his disciples.

The attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 100 Christians, two of whom were burned alive. The mobs also destroyed hundreds of houses and churches and forced thousands of Christians to flee for their lives into the surrounding jungle. 

Despite the brutality of the violence against Christians, the Indian government has been slow to offer protection for the tiny minority of Christians who live in Orissa.

Please take a moment now to email the Indian Ambassador, Ronen Sen, urging him to:

• order an official inquiry into the situation;
• seek justice for both the perpetrators and victims of the violence; and
• deploy sufficient military forces to the affected areas to prevent further violence against Christians.

Thank you for speaking out on behalf of suffering Christians in Orissa!

Advocating with you,

Lindsay Vessey
Advocacy Program Manager

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Dear Donna, 

Compass Direct News reported last week on the death and destruction directed towards Christians in Orissa, a state in eastern India. When the Hindu leader Swamiji Laxmanananda Saraswati and four others were murdered on Aug. 23, Hindu extremists then incited hatred by heated accusations that Christians had killed Saraswati.  There were many reports of Christians being pulled from their homes either killed or beaten.  The violence that has claimed the lives of at least 36 people, most of them Christians, and destroyed hundreds of churches and homes continued over the weekend as Hindu extremists continued to blame Christians for the killings.
 
However, the latest information on Monday, Sep 1st by Compass Direct News reports that a Maoist group claimed responsibility for killing Hindu extremist leader and four of his disciples, saying that fanatical Hindus’ claims that Christians murdered him were “lies.” The Central Committee of the Communist Party of India-Maoist released a statement today saying that Sangh Parivar, the family of Hindu extremist groups led by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or RSS, have deliberately misled people about Saraswati’s death. “The Sangh Parivar leaders like Praveen Togadia have been trying to divert the people by uttering lies that it is not the Maoists but Christian organizations that had carried out the attack on the leader,” the Marxist group stated.  Read more about the violence in India.

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TO
Mom, Donna Matthew

Dear Mother in Christ
Greetings to you in the name of our LOrd Jesus Christ
         Mother, I am sending my letters for you for long time. Today we search your e-mail  Id and we find so happy. Mother, we pray for your and your family and also your church believers in my daily prayers.We want for your prayers. Here, I am doing the Lord's work honestly and I maintained a Christian Lending Library in my town. so many Hindu people are come and search the scriptures and they read this and they know who is Real God. and they believe Jesus Christ is their personal saviour and also they saved their families through my Christian Lending Library material.
Mother,In my area on 29-07-08 attacked a fire accident in my near colony, nearly 40 houses are completely destroy . The colony people are stand in streets with their empty hands. This is very bad situation to my people.20 families are believers families and other 20 families all casts.

      Mother, I am sending some photos of that colony fire accident. please pray for my people, they have no shelter and no clothing and also no sufficient food. Please announce your churches and pray for my people needs. If possible please send any help to my people, used clothes or any one send please.we are pray for you and your family and also your church believers. God bless you, I am waiting for your reply.

 I am attaches some pics of my area colony fire accident.

Thanking you Mother

Yours son in Christ

P. Ephraim

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(Compass) Hindu extremists beat the relatives of a 15-year-old girl when the Christian family refused to allow the group to rape her. They have threatened to kill other members of the community unless they stop worshipping Christ

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On April 2, pastors and members of the Manna Ministry in Krishnapuram, Andhra Pradesh, were beaten by a group of 20 Hindu extremists. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, "Believers were returning from an evangelistic outreach when their car was stopped by the attackers. One of the ministry's leaders, Pastor Gopal, sustained serious injuries. The militants also tore up the Christians' evangelistic tracts." Ask God to heal Pastor Gopal. Meanwhile, on March 17, school children from Toopran School in Telungana Village, Andhra Pradesh, were threatened and beaten by Hindu extremists while they were distributing Bible tracts in the school compound. VOM contacts report, "A group of Hindu extremists stopped the school children from further distribution of tracts. The extremists beat the children and threatened them." Pray believers in Telungana Village will be encouraged and protected. Pray that Indian Christians will continue to share the gospel with boldness despite increased persecution. Ask God to use their testimonies to draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Him. Acts 4:29-31

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On April 6, Hindu extremists stopped a Gideon International New Testament distribution in Bhubaneswar in Orissa State. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, "New Testaments were being given to college students that were leaving the Examination Center at the Central School. These students had just completed their medical school entrance examinations. Realizing the New Testaments were being given openly to the students, local Hindus demanded the group stop the distribution." VOM contacts added, "When the members of Gideons ignored these requests, more Hindus began to intervene. After distributing 390 New Testaments, the mob became irate and began to manhandle the Gideons, demanding they leave. They were forced to pack up the New Testaments and leave immediately. As they were packing up, the mob was able to take 10 New Testaments and set fire to them in the street. A few members of Gideons sustained minor injuries." Please pray the students that have received the New Testaments would put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Also, pray for those injured in this attack and for God's Word to go forth without disturbance in this area of India. Isaiah 54:14

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• MAHARASHTRA - On March 23, Sister Mercy Tuscano and Sister Philomena D'Mello were attacked by more than 49 Hindu extremists in Alibaug, Maharashtra, for allegedly converting tribal groups to Christianity. The nuns were injured in the attack, which included women who are followers of a spiritual leader in the area. Both nuns were treated in the hospital and have since been released. They are members of a non-governmental organization that extends humanitarian services such as AIDS awareness to tribal groups in the region. Pray for the recovery of the two nuns from their injuries. Ask the Lord to strengthen Indian Christians to continue serving the Lord despite facing pressure for their faith.



• RAJASTHAN - On March 20, the governing Bharatiya Janata Party in Rajasthan state passed a new "anti-conversion" bill that has stricter provisions than the previous bills passed in 2006. The new bill states that a society or trust found to be "contemplating" the use of money for converting people can have its registration canceled. Christians fear that this stipulation will provide the pretext for numerous complaints against Christian organizations. The bill also dictates that any person who intends to convert must send a notice to the government at least 30 days in advance or face a fine of up to 1,000 rupees (US $25). Isaiah 54:17

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On March 20, the governing Bharatiya Janata Party in Rajasthan state passed a new "anti-conversion" bill that has stricter provisions than the previous bill that was passed in 2006 (click here for more details). The new bill states that a society or trust found to be "contemplating" the use of money for converting people can have its registration canceled. Christians fear that this stipulation will provide the pretext for numerous complaints against Christian organizations. The bill also dictates that any person who intends to convert must send a notice to the government at least 30 days in advance or face a fine of up to 1,000 rupees (CAD $25).

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Church releases data to show that anti Christian violence in
India this year has been the highest ever in the history of
independent India

Indian Christians plan National Protest Day on 4th December to focus national parliament's attention on continuing violations of the rights of religious minorities, and acts of violence by right wing fundamentalist forces

The Church In India released data to the press Tuesday, 24th November 1998 proving that the violence in 1998 so far is more than the total incidents of crime against the Christian community from 1964 to 1997.

The data was released at a press conference by the United Christian Forum for Human Rights to announce the National Protest Day on 4th December 1998 to focus attention on the continuing violence against the Christian community. The press conference was addressed by Catholic Archbishop Alan de Lastic, chairman of the Forum which has the participation of the Catholic, Protest and Evangelical Church groups. Others who addressed the media today were Church of North India's Bishop of Delhi Karam Masih, Evangelical Fellowship of India general secretary Dr Richard Howell and All India catholic Union national secretary John Dayal, who is also the convenor of the Forum.

The leaders of the Christian community said the protest had the support of all denominations, and had also been supported by several human rights groups and leaders of India's other minorities, including Muslims.

De Lastic, Masih, Howell and Dayal stressed that the Christian response to the violence would be peaceful protest. The church and its institutions would also continue with their humanitarian and educational activities.

Christian educational and developmental organisations are victims of the violence, together with priests and preachers. De Lastic said these institutions were being targeted because they were sensitising the empowering the people, particularly those who had been exploited and subjugated.

The speakers said the propaganda by certain elements that the Church was busy with converting India's Hindu population was being deliberately created to divert attention from the fundamentalist programme of foisting a mono cultural system on pluralistic India. "Everyone knows who these forces are, every one knows what this conspiracy is," Karam Masih said. De Lastic said while conversions by force or inducement were against the Indian laws, faith and conversion from one religion to another were a matter for an individual, a decision which he took of his free will and which was his right under the Constitution of India.

The forum said a memorandum will be presented to India's parliament and its prime minister urging the representatives to take urgent action to stop the assault on India's traditions of democracy, pluralism and religious tolerance.

The forum said the government had not taken the action it should have to curb the increasing violence against all minorities, not just the Christians. The forum also released the text of an Open Letter to the people of India which identifies the conspiracy against the minorities, and the inaction of the government.

The following is the text of the Press statement issued by the Forum.

The Christian community in India is observing 4th of December 1998 as a National Protest Day to focus the attention of the Government and the people of India on the spate of violence against Christians this year, and continuing efforts by a some fanatical elements to demolish the secular character of the state. Schools, colleges and other Christian institutions run by various denominations and congregations will remain closed for the day on 4th December 1998. Those working in Hospitals and essential services will wear black badges. Christians in service are being urged to take a day's leave to participate fully in the various protest programmes planned at state headquarters, diocese and parishes of all denominations of churches in India.

In Delhi, the protest includes a relay Prayer and fast at Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the nation, a Rally at Parliament House (at Jantar Mantar) and a Memorandum to Parliament (to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Deputy chairperson of the Rajya Sabha and the Prime Minister of India, the Leader of the House). A number of Bishops and large numbers of Priests, Nuns, Lay leaders and Human rights activists are expected to be part of the Rally.

At the national level, the protest is being coordinated by the national organising committee of the United Christian Forum for Human Rights, which was set up last month. The Forum has a presidium consisting of all Bishops resi  [report anonymous abuse]  [ accepted]

DISTT. - BASTAT (JAGDALPUR), CHHATTISGARH
October 5’ 2007

October 11'2007

NAME OF THE VICTIM : Pastor Chainu Patel and Sagundas Jurri

FAMILY OF THE VICTIM (PASTOR CHAINU PATEL):
Wife - Housewife and ministers with husband
Younger brother - Chaitu,lives with Pr Chainu and studies in class 12th
Father & Mother - lives in Kaneri village, near Kondagaon.
CHURCH : House church in Murnar is the part of the Believers Church (GFA), Kanker, Chhattisgarh. It is a growing church amidst difficult circumstances. This house church was started about 3 years back.
ORGANIZATION : Believers Church in India (GFA)
LOCATION : Murnar is a small village, about 15 kms from Kanker and Keshkal each. Murnar falls under Murven gram panchayat and under the jurisdiction of Kondagaon Sessions Court. It is situated in Bastar(Jagdalpur) district, Chhattisgarh, India.

Kanker is a small town and the district headquarter of North Bastar. Keshkal is a large village on the national highway. There has been much persecution of the Christians in last three years in Kanker town and nearby villages and in the villages near Kondagaon . Villages of Kanker and Jagdalpur districts are heavily under influence of naxalism.

INCIDENT :
Date - October 5'2007
Time - 04:00 PM
Three days fasting prayer was arranged in the house of Sagundas Jurri from October 4th to 6th. Sagundas is an unbaptised believer, who has opened his house many times for meeting of the church. There are 5 believer families in the village. There were about 20 persons including women and children, present in the meeting. Most of them were believers from non Christian background.
At about 02:00 PM on October 5th, a group of fundamentalists sent message to Pastor Chainu Patel and Sagundas to appear before the village council of Gond tribal community . Since fasting prayer was going on, they refused. After sometime, same message was  sent to them again. They again expressed their inability to appear. Finally at about 04:00 PM, 15 of them led by Rameshwar Usendi stormed into the house. They were shouting slogans to stop conversions and were also shouting false allegations against conversions. Local believers were threatened to hold such meetings.
Similar incident occurred in Dundera village, half a kilometer away from Murnar, about a month back. A pastor was similarly questioned, threatened and forced to stop holding meeting in the village.
Pastor Chainu Patel and Sagundas were forced by this fundamentalist group to accompany them on a tractor to the alleged meeting of the Gond community at nearby village of Munver. But instead of the aforesaid meeting, Pastor Chainu Patel and Sagundas were staraightway taken to Keshkal police station and were handed over to the police. A group of fundamentalist people was already present there.
The complaint was lodged by Rameshwar Usendi. He accused them of conversion by allurement and hurting the religious sentiments. FIR was lodged against Pr Chainu Patel and Sagunram under section 295(A) and Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill.  No complaint against the assailants has been registered.
CURRENT SITUATION:
Bail application has been rejected in the lower court of Keshkal on October 6th and the police has obtained remand upto October 18th.
Preparation is underway to file the bail application in the Sessions Court of Kondagaon.
By-election in Keshkal is likely to be held in the month of November. Mr Mahesh Baghel of the BJP was MLA from this seat. He died in a road accident about a month back. This incident of atrocity against the Christians is directly corelated with BJP's attempt to hold the seat, by polarising the "Hindu votes".

ACTION BY THE FORUM:

Information of the attack came to the leaders of Chhattisgarh Christian Forum at about 10:00 AM on October 6th. Forum took immediate steps to build up pressure upon police and administration to take proper action against the assailants and to protect the village congregation.
Local pastors and leaders of Kanker, Keshkal and Kondagaon were mobilised to come forward and express their solidarity with fellow brothers.
A delegation of about 30 pastors and Christian leaders of Jagdalpur were mobilised immediately to meet the Superintendent of Police of Bastar(Jagdalpur) to present the real picture before him.
The Forum has been in continuous touch with the local leaders.
The Forum works in cooperation with EFI and Open Doors India.
PRAYER REQUEST:
Please uphold Pr Chainu Patel, Sagundas and the congregation before the Throne of Grace.

From A. Edgar

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