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Christian Layman Martyred in Vicious Attack

6th January 2010

Ramesh Chandra Digal was martyred for Jesus Christ during the attacks on Orissa's Christians in August 2008. His death was a testimony to his love for his Savior, just as his life had been.

Ramesh was an active member of a Gospel for Asia–supported congregation and was blessed with a wife and two children. Although he came from a poor background, he was able to support his family by working as a cook in a local elementary school.

On the first day of the August 2008 Orissa attacks, Ramesh was not really alarmed when a group of people entered his village. He recognized several members of the group as friends he had grown up with. But when he saw axes and swords in their hands, he realized the danger and ran toward a village a few miles away where his children attended school.

On his way, he went through a village where some Christians lived. Seeking a hiding place, he looked for an open door to one of their small houses. But before he could find refuge, the anti-Christian mob caught up with him.

After beating him severely, the extremists demanded that Ramesh deny the Lord Jesus. Without hesitation, he refused. And even as he confessed Jesus as his Lord, the mob descended on him and hacked his body into pieces.

Then the mob completely burned Ramesh's mutilated body and threw the ashes into a nearby river. They also looted Ramesh's house and burned it to the ground.

Today his widow and their children are living with his parents.

Ramesh's story is not an isolated incident. More than 100 Christians were killed in the 2008 attacks, including nuns who were raped before they were killed. At least two GFA–supported pastors were martyred, as well.

"We must never forget the sacrifice these faithful believers have made for their faith," said Gospel for Asia President K.P. Yohannan. "We often speak of how our missionaries are ready to suffer and die so the lost can know the love of the Savior, but we know the faithful believers of Asia are willing to lay down their lives for Him, as well.

"As we pray for their families, let us rededicate ourselves to living sacrificially for Christ and to doing whatever is necessary to shine the light of the Gospel into the darkest areas of Asia. These martyrs have set the example. Let us be worthy of their sacrifices."