A pastor in Sri Lanka has been forced to close his ministry after being detained by police and threatened by Buddhist monks.
On Sunday 18 October, police arrived at the pastor’s house in Bakamuna, located in the Polonnaruwa district of Sri Lanka. Police ordered the pastor, whose identity has been withheld, to immediately report to the local police station.
At the station, he was taken into an office crowded with Buddhist monks. With the pastor’s church attendance list in their possession, the monks went on to issue a series of threats against the pastor and demanded his ministry be closed.
The pastor’s church has endured similar threats in the past five years. However, in light of these most recent threats, the pastor has decided to close down his ministry.
Christians make up 8% of Sri Lanka’s total population. They face frequent persecution and local opposition, often led by Buddhist monks.
Sources: Barnabas Fund, International Christian Concern
- Ask the Lord to provide the pastor with wisdom, protection and courage. Pray too for the church members, that they will be encouraged in the faith.
- Pray this incident will in no way stifle the growth of the church in Sri Lanka but that the Lord will use it somehow for good and for His glory.
- Ask God to work in the hearts and minds of those who oppose Him and the Gospel in Sri Lanka. Pray for a harvest.
Post your prayer in the comments below.
Lord how sad that Buddhists are doing this, especially when the world is lead to believe that the Buddhist religion is such a peaceful one. We know why they are doing it, and who is leading them. Lord we ask you to protect the pastor and his flock, and that they will seek your guidance on what to do. That Lord you will provide a way for them to still meet and glorify your name. We pray Lord that their love for you will be so evident to these Buddhists, that they begin to ask questions of these Christians, instead of harming them, and come to know you too. Lord nothing is impossible for you. In your Great name we pray
Thank you k dnd F. How sad indeed that our brothers and sisters are being persecuted by the agents of the evil one! Please have mercy and grant grace to them during this awful time.
Blessed Lord Jesus, all ministry is yours as the church is yours and so we pray for this Sri Lankan Pastor and the congregation to whom he ministers. Give him wisdom, courage and protection and we ask that the faith of the Pastor and Church members be strengthened during this time of intimidation and harassment. Bless them as they share their faith and may your Spirit change the hearts of the persecutors to come to faith in Jesus. We ask for the Holy Spirit to work throughout the nation of Sri Lanka and pray for many conversions to Christ. May they be built up in Him and to His glory!
Oh Father, it hurts me emotionally to hear of my Brothers & Sisters in Christ who are under such pressure. Father I bind the demons that war against them and command they be cast away bound. I loose Your Protection upon them. Give them a Holy Boldness that stands firm wrapped in the deepest love that touches all who are unsaved. Bless them richly & abundantly above what they ask or think. Let them experience You daily as their “Abba” and draw on Your Strength & Healing continuously in Jesus Name Amen!!!!