FAITH IN GOD TRIUMPHS OVER PERSECUTION IN INDIA

Persecution is not stopping the work of God throughout India. At a recent Pastors’ Congress it was estimated that in one region over 17 000 people are turning to Jesus Christ every day and that a church is established every three minutes! As evangelists and churches move among the people with increased faith and love, God is working amazing miracles. In a village of Bihar, 4 witch doctors controlled people by cursing their cattle and their relatives. When the Christian evangelists arrived, these witch doctors warned them that they would be cursed too. The Christians continued to love the people in Jesus’ Name, and in a few weeks the witch doctors came to ask the secret of their power. They had called up demonic powers to attack the Christians, but the demons had returned saying, "We can do nothing against them as they are surrounded by angels and by fire." As they spoke with the evangelists, the conviction of God fell on all four, and they were converted and delivered from the evil spirits! The whole village followed, amazed at God’s power. There is persecution to face, however. Landowners, fearing the overthrow of traditional systems, have had converts tortured and killed. One young man began to proclaim Jesus in his village soon after his conversion. Within weeks he was beaten to death, but today a church has been planted in that village. An eyewitness reports on revival in Bihar: "We have travelled to many villages in the area. The people are hungry for truth. They say, ‘We are tired of our own religion, because we pray to our gods but they do not hear us or answer our cries.’ Over 150 000 have been converted in recent months, and one church there has already planted five more churches. It is such a joy to see the Holy Spirit move." In another village, a Christian leader called Sandhu, was arrested and forced to stand on red-hot bricks for 10 minutes. This was to be the test - if he was not burned, his faith was the true one. While the other Christians prayed, Sandhu stood on the coals and was not burned! That very day, 47 new converts were baptised! Christians are received with much love and generosity by people who have next to nothing to give. Indigenous churches are being planted among previously hostile tribal peoples. Meanwhile, Indian Minister P Chidambaram stayed true to his promise and the Government began distributing funds to 35 Christian families who were victims of the communal violence in the Kandhamal District in the State of Orissa last year. [Sources: JOEL NEWS INTERNATIONAL 706 from "Christian Today", "Revival Fires", "Heart-cry for Asia"].