JP Sundararajan, our India-Asia Director, has been closely following the situation that has been developing in the eastern state of India, Orissa. Orissa has historically been infamous for the persecution of Christians. It earned its dubious honor especially after the brutal murder of missionary doctor Graham Staines and his sons Philip (aged 7) and Timothy (aged 9) back in January of 1999.
While reports of persecution in India tend to subside over time, something about the current situation didn't seem "typical." JP called our office in Bhubaneshwar, the capital city of Orissa to talk to our director Manas there about his take on this. The conversation that followed showed us at ASM, that the problem in Orissa is in fact, very real and definitely not exaggerated.
Manas has had to take his sign down because his Christian name would certainly draw attention. There were mobs pelting stones at the school his kids attend (even though nobody was in school that day). Manas also mentioned to us that along with the other missionaries in the state, they are staying low and hoping that this storm will subside. What is particularly concerning is that the violence has been spreading from town to town, and is slowly seeping into the bigger cities.
These incidents have been growing stronger after some extremists were gunned down by unknown assailants. Most of our brothers and sisters are convinced of political slants underlying the current situation. Unfortunately, violence against Christians sometimes can serve as a glue to bring people together for all the wrong reasons.
Please pray for his family and for other missionaries who are literally on the front lines of battle. As he so eloquently put it, "We might be minorities, but our God still sits on the throne and he will do something!"
Update: The violence, while still spreading, hasn't given us too much to be fearing at the moment. Manas and his family are safe and still laying low. Our Bangalore office is in touch with them. JP has been in touch with Manas and will continue to check up with them and keep you posted. In the mean time, please do continue to pray for Manas and his family. For more details, do drop us an email or call us.
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