I just read this paragraph that came from our denomination’s weekly world missions online newsletter:
[Our] Asia Area Director called from India on Tuesday, November 4, to report that a Free Methodist pastor was recently beaten to death in front of his family because he would not renounce his faith. Also, five other Free Methodists were badly beaten and had to be taken to the hospital. The doctor’s life was threatened if he treated their injuries, so they were refused treatment. These attacks took place in a state which neighbors Orissa State where Christians have been facing severe persecution. Please pray for the victims’ families. Also pray for 300 refugees from Orissa who have fled…
I try to stop and imagine but I just can’t.
This is not a story from centuries ago – it’s not the retelling of the Biblical story of Stephen or Paul.
This is happening today.
Please be in prayer… even right now.
“Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.”
John 15:20 (NIV)
November 5, 2008 at 8:46 am
What an important post Kristin. It is necessary that we are informed of our brothers and sisters and their persecution in other countries. I think it jolts us out of our complacency as easy-Christians here in the US.
And we must pray.
~Joce
November 5, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Thank you Kristin. I heard some details this morning on the radio and prayed in the car on the way to school.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in daily problems flat tires and broken hair driers and forget, that’s REALLY NOT that important!!
We must pray for our brothers and sisters in India!
November 5, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Thank you for asking for prayer for my FM brothers and sisters. Did you see the DVD about the persecution in Orissa. It just came in the mail this week. I hope ever church shows it at least 3 times. We must fast and pray more!
November 6, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Thank you I had not heard about this. I will pray for the families of the families and the people of India. This puts our everyday troubles in perspective. We are so fortunate to live in the United States where we can worship freely. God bless
November 6, 2008 at 8:00 pm
I’d thought just yesterday morning, “We haven’t read a ‘Sincerely Kristin’ blog recently. And then your important reminder came with a fresh update from our Indian family and sleep was hard to come by last night. Have mercy, Lord Jesus, we pray.
November 13, 2008 at 9:27 am
And WAY off topic is this:
You’ve just been meme’d.
http://jubbyplace.blogspot.com/2008/11/too-much-to-do.html
XOXO
Joce
December 15, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Hey you! Kristin- I miss your posts.
XOOX
Joce