Believers in India were taunted, beaten and forced to pose “like Christ on the cross” in police custody when extremists accused them of “forced conversion”.
Pastor Indresh Kumar Gautam, aged 24, and four others were arrested after 30 Hindu extremists broke up their Sunday service in Pratapgarh district, Uttar Pradesh.
As extremists armed with sticks and rods threatened the congregation and started beating people, police officers who had come with the extremists looked on.
Later at the police station, a senior officer brutally beat the five detainees with a cane, insulting them and accusing them of trying to convert local people. He forced four of them to pose as if they were being crucified, because he wanted to see how it felt to “torture Jesus”. “Let’s see if your Jesus would come here to save you,” he mocked.
The Christians were released on bail after signing an affidavit promising not to engage in “conversion activities”; one said he was not a Christian. Pastor Indresh says he intends to take legal action.
Sources: Morning Star News, Release International
- Ask God to heal all those who were beaten and tortured. Pray the Lord will give them the strength to remain steadfast.
- Pray for the church in India, especially in eastern Uttar Pradesh where anti-Christian sentiment runs high.
- Pray specifically for the police involved in the arrest and torture of the believers. Pray the Lord will grant wisdom and courage to Pastor Indresh.
Post your prayer in the comments below.
Blessed Lord Jesus, we give thanks that you are calling people out of darkness into your marvellous light. We pray for Pastor Indresh Kumar Gautam and others who were arrested, imprisoned, beaten and tortured because of the activities of Hindu extremists in Pratapgarh district, Uttar Pradesh. Help them and all believers in that region by the power of your Spirit to remain faithful and hold out a true testimony. Give wisdom to Pastor Indresh and may he prayerfully considers what action to take concerning the attack. In all of this we pray that you may be glorified and that you may save some.