A Day of Prayer

INDIA: Pastor Hospitalized After Easter Service Attack
May 12, 2006


The Voice of the Martyrs

VOM sources inside India report Pastor V.P. Paulouse’s church was raided by 15 mob members. While leading an Easter worship service and prayer meeting near Mangalore in Karnataka state, the church was raided by members reported to be from the Bajrang Dal (youth wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, or World Hindu Council). Entering the prayer hall with their faces covered, the extremists beat the pastor with cricket bats and also turned their assault on other believers, including his wife and daughters. The Hindu mob vandalized the hall’s furniture and equipment, worth more than 150,000 rupees ($3,500 U.S.).

In the April 16th attack, Pastor Paulouse sustained numerous injuries and was admitted to the Mangala Hospital in Mangalore, where The Voice of the Martyrs provided for all of his medical expenses. The 15 assailants severely fractured his left hand and leg, which were set in casts. The 65-year-old pastor’s head and feet were also badly injured in the attack. Many wounds were found on his head, including one gash that required eight stitches to his forehead. Other injuries were also dressed at the hospital, including the extensive damage to his toes. The attackers beat several members of the congregation, specifically targeting his family, who sustained wounds from the violent rampage.

The Bajrang Dal organized the attack because they do not want Christians in their area conducting prayer meetings. Pastor Paulouse’s ministry covers three villages in south Karnataka state. Despite Hindu opposition, he shepherds 60 believers in the region. He has been discharged from the hospital and his stitches were removed, but his doctor has told him to continue his bed rest. His cast remains on but should be removed sometime this month.



I posted this because we become to introverted and think we are so bad off. While I never wish to downplay our own struggles, let us take a moment to pray for those who are dtanding up for the Gospel even to the point of being beaten and death. May we remember those who are in chains.

Hebrews 13:3 Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.