Months after police arrested him on June 9, Gospel for Asia-supported pastor Akash Rao remains in jail. He was one of 10 people arrested under suspicion of being connected with a Maoist extremist group that terrorizes the area where he serves. Because police have accused Akash of being involved with the Maoists, officials are in no hurry to release him.

For five years, Akash has faithfully served the Lord in this place of political unrest, and he led a congregation of 25 believers before his arrest. Another GFA-supported pastor has been called in to serve the church, and it remains active.

This area is now relatively peaceful since it is under police patrol and most of the suspected Maoists are in jail. Pastors and missionaries serving in places of political unrest like this one are often subject to threats and frequently get caught in the middle of the conflicts. This poses great difficulties for their ministry.

GFA leaders ask for your prayers for Akash, that the Lord would bring about a miracle in this situation and the truth would set him free. They also request prayer for his family, his church members and the pastor who is filling in for him, that they will all stand strong in the Lord during this difficult time.

 

Back to News & Features