Update on GFA Pastor Who Was Attacked

Church leaders in Madhya Pradesh, India, have filed a complaint against a group of extremists who attacked Gospel for Asia-supported pastor and missionary Bandoni Masih earlier this year. As of our last report from the field, the missionary's attackers remain free.

The complaint stems from an attack in May in which Bandoni and Naren Dandi, a member of his congregation, were beaten. The two men were bicycling home from a prayer meeting when 12 men stopped them on the road. They surrounded Bandoni and Naren and began yelling at them. They accused them of forcing people to convert to Christianity. Then they attacked, beating the two men with wooden sticks and an iron rod. The beating lasted for nearly an hour, and then the mob ran away.

Bandoni sustained serious injuries and was unable to walk. Naren, who was barely able to stand, managed to ride his bike to the nearest police station to get help. Meanwhile, Bandoni dragged himself to a nearby village. When the police heard Naren's report, they went out and brought Bandoni, along with three Christians who were helping him, back to the police station and questioned them at length.

When the extremists found out about the police report they started bothering Bandoni again, trying to get him to drop the charges.

Bandoni was hospitalized for two days after the attack. Initially his legs were so badly injured that he could not walk. He was unable to eat or drink anything for two days because of the injuries to his jaw.

After being released from the hospital, Bandoni spent several weeks recovering at home before he could return to ministry work.

He asks for continued prayer for the situation. Here are his requests.

• It appears that the police have declined to pursue prosecution of the extremists. Pray that justice would be done.



• Pray for the safety of Bandoni, Naren and the other Christians in this area.



• Pray for the repeal of Madhya Pradesh's harsh anti-conversion law, which makes it difficult and dangerous to preach the Gospel.



• Pray for strength for Bandoni as he continues to serve in this area.



• Pray for the 12 persecutors, that they would come to know Christ.

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