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Christian Widow Murdered

3rd June 2010

Widows, like this woman, have little hope until they find Jesus.

After a brutal attack on June 1, Dhanya is rejoicing in Jesus' presence today, but her son Ishwar is in critical condition at a local hospital. Vicious lies led two people to attack Dhanya, a widow, and her son as they were collecting leaves in the jungle to sell at the market.

In many parts of Asia, widows are cast out from society and even blamed for their husband's death. Years ago, many widows chose sati, a ritualistic suicide of throwing herself on her husband's burning funeral coffin, as an admired religious practice. But in reality, the widow was simply escaping a life of prejudice and isolation. Sati has been outlawed, but still happens occasionally.

When Dhanya found Jesus in 2002, she found liberation from the desperate life handed to her. Through Gospel for Asia-supported missionary Deepak, she learned that Someone cared for her although there were still plenty of hardships.

In rural villages like Dhanya's in Bihar, India, widows are commonly suspected of practicing witchcraft. Beyond bearing the blame for their husband's death, they are likely to be blamed for other deaths in the village. This was the case with Dhanya.

A year ago, a little 7-year-old boy died. The grieving family placed the blame on Dhanya. They accused her of doing witchcraft against their son. Nothing happened then, but a year later, bitterness and suspicions had mounted.

While Dhanya and her younger son Ishwar worked in the jungle, two relatives of the deceased boy jumped them with swords and heavy sticks. They brutally attacked Ishwar and left him unconscious, thinking he was dead. Then they turned to Dhanya, beheading her and leaving her body on the jungle floor.

Dhanya's older son Jeevan was not with them at the time and is unharmed. Pastor Deepak and other villagers found Ishwar and brought him to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

Pastor Deepak requests earnest prayer for Ishwar's recovery, the Lord's comfort for Jeevan and for wisdom in handling this tragic situation. Pray that the truth and love of the Gospel will spread in this village, dispelling the lies and prejudice that so many people hold on to.