ROBINSON
“Many believers across India live in difficult circumstances, yet God continues to move powerfully through faithful hearts and minister to those who are hungry for the truth and need hope. In many rural areas, people have never had the opportunity to go to school or college or learn to read or write. Those who can read, often memorise passages of scripture and quietly share the Word with family, friends and neighbours. Many can only read the Bible.
“Because of persecution, some believers are afraid to keep Bibles in their homes. If discovered many Christians can face interrogation, imprisonment, beatings and severe mistreatment. Yet, even in the midst of the suffering, the gospel continues to spread by word of mouth.
“The places where Bibles are distributed are often the hardest and most difficult regions. Many of these areas are marked by extreme poverty, spiritual darkness, hostility towards Christianity and intense persecution. In some places, simply owning a Bible can cost a person their home. If Christian material is discovered in a rented property, those living there are kicked out and forced to live on the streets.
“Although Indian law officially allows freedom of religion, many Hindu extremists and others opposed to Christian work, make it hard for believers to practice their faith. Bibles often must be distributed in secret and carefully hidden. If neighbours see a Bible or suspect they might report it to the local groups and authorities. Mobs gather burning the Bibles, threatening believers and forcing them from their homes.
“In parts of India, where opposition is strongest, Christians face intense persecution. Home fellowships are forbidden and even speaking outdoors about the gospel can lead to arrest. Prison sentences of 7 – 8 years are not uncommon.
“But, even in jail the light of Jesus shines brightly as many believers share the gospel with inmates and prison guards and in that dark environment, the truth spreads and cannot be silenced.
“Brother M was invited to a special Christian leader’s conference as guest speaker. Three hundred non-Christians with the help of the police, came to kill those attending. Brother M was arrested and held under false accusations of terrorism and attempts to kill. Seven other Christian leaders were imprisoned for three weeks and during the first week all of them endured severe torture. Their clothes were removed, and they were beaten day after day. Whatever beatings the others received, Brother M received double. Even some inmates tried to kill them.
“Yet our God is a living and mighty God and within a short time everything began to change. God used these faithful men inside the jail. Many inmates and guards gave their hearts to Jesus Christ
“Before their release, Brother M and others were forced to sign documents stating they would never again speak about Jesus. By the grace of God, the leaders were released and continue to share the gospel but not openly preaching.
“Believers are bold. Brother M says ‘I am ready to die for the Lord. I am not afraid for my life because I know where I am going’. Anything can happen.
“Brother M was eventually granted bail and has to report to authorities every 2 months while he awaits trial for many false charges – accusations so extensive they are impossible to defend against. No court date has yet been set, and many believe the ongoing delays are intended to break him emotionally, financially and spiritually.
“Two of the leaders have already been declared innocent but because Brother M was the main preacher they have put everything on him. Twice when he reported to the police station a radical Hindu group followed him, threatening him and his family with violence.
“The outcome of the pending court case remains uncertain. There are deep concerns about corruption, intimidation and injustice within the system. It took a huge amount of money simply to secure his release from prison. One Christian lawyer withdrew from the case after receiving death threats and accusations not just from local radicals, but also from MPs and politicians. Another Christian lawyer has courageously continued his defence, despite the danger to his own life and family.
“Brother M is accused of being a ‘religion changer’ and of dishonouring their own traditional beliefs. This is not cultural, it is religion.
“The blood brother of the conference organizer was a spy who held a grudge against his own brother. It was not religion, this was a personal argument, and he used this to stir up trouble. Pastor M and his team became caught up in a personal issue that escalated when authorities arrived and found they were teaching the word of God.
“When jailed Brother M was placed alone in a tiny filthy cell. The walls were covered in a bug that sucked human blood through any exposed skin. He prayed that God would remove them from him so he could worship, pray and sleep in peace. Immediately the tiny pests were gone.
“Whilst in jail Brother M asked for jandals to walk on the hot ground sunbaked in 45-degree heat. The equivalent of NZ$1000 was raised and given to the authorities an exorbitant amount for a simple pair of jandals. The jandals were not given to Pastor M and later it was found one of his jailers wearing them. There is so much corruption that those who understand the system know no amount of money would make the charges disappear. The greatest miracle is they are all still alive.
“Pastor E comes from a big city where the Hindu radicals now have a base. It was once a peaceful city but now it is not easy to run a church or a home group. Many believers are too afraid to talk of their decision to follow Jesus Christ, as even a neighbour, a friend or relative might report them to the authorities. If the police see a Bible, they say it is proof and only proof needed that they are converting people.
“By the grace of God almost 20,000 Bibles have been distributed in 2 years in the hardest of areas. People long to have their own Bible, but it is still very dangerous for them. The Bible is so precious for them.
“On one occasion Pastor E sent out many Bibles to villagers who were hungry for the word of God. However, the Bibles were returned because the people could not read or write. Pastor E then prayed and declared that God would give them the ability to read. Pastor E then asked for the Bibles to be returned to them once again. Miraculously through the power of the Holy Spirit, the believers were able to read for the first time in their lives!
“They have never been to school, yet God blessed them with the gift of reading and understanding His word. If another book is given to them, they cannot read it, only their true conversion of heart and deep desire to know more about Christ has opened the way for this miracle. Only our miracle working God can bring such a wonder.
Luke 24:45 “Then He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.”
“One day a thief tried to break into the church. It was all caught on camera and as the break-in was attempted, an invisible barrier was put up. The presence of God stopped him from entering the building. He stood frozen and then ran away in fear.
“The building where we worship God is considered Holy and treated with deep reverence. Next door was a big hospital and even though there was music practise after hours, no complaint was ever made in fact one of the non-Christian surgeons would come and play his flute and join in worship. We found sometimes patients would come and pray and take communion. Many were miraculously healed and sometimes a family member, even though they were not present, would receive healing.
“India has many gods and goddesses, yet they do not bring miracles or answers. As more people turn to Christ and begin attending church, the government increasingly targets those who openly identify as Christians. If a person still carries a traditional Hindu surname, officials question why they attend church while claiming a Hindu identity.
“Many Christins lose their government subsidy if they declare their faith, while those within the lower castes may continue receiving assistance if they remain officially identified as Hindu. Because of this some believers choose to keep their traditional surname rather than openly change their religious status on government forms. Even so, everyday thousands across India are giving their lives to Christ Jesus. Though they cannot publicly declare their faith because of persecution and fear of losing support, their hearts belong fully to Him.
“In some parts of India large open-air Christian conventions are held where 5 – 6,000 people gather freely to worship. Many believers refuse to live in fear of radicals or police opposition. With boldness and unwavering faith, they stand firm and continue the word of God despite threats or persecution. Their attitude is often ‘do what you are going to do, but we are here to do God’s work’.
“Despite false allegations, arrests, imprisonment, beatings, torture and the constant fear of keeping a Bible in their homes, the church in India continues to grow. Radical opposition, government pressure and persecution have not silenced the gospel. Instead, the light of Christ shines even brighter through those willing to suffer for His name. Everyday thousands across India are coming to know the Lord Jesus Christ, surrendering their lives to Him despite the cost. Hearts fully surrendered and wholly committed to the living God, the one true God. Where Christ is received the chains of caste, darkness and oppression are broken by the mighty power of His truth and salvation”.