India Family Beaten, Shunned for Refusing Idol Worship

10/31/2024　(VOM)

Basavaraj, his wife and their six children are the only believers in a village of 200 families. They faithfully share Christ among the villagers. Each family is expected to serve at the local Hindu temple. Basavaraj told the village leaders that he could not perform the idol worship because he was a follower of Christ. At a village meeting, the family again refused to perform temple duties. Basavaraj told the leaders, “Even if you kill me, we will only worship Jesus.” Villagers beat them and continue to harass and pressure the family, poisoning their rice fields, destroying their crops and vandalizing their home. Some of their children are afraid to leave the house and no longer attend school because of the constant pressure and ridicule.

Please pray…

• Pray for Basavaraj and his family to remain strong in the Lord.

• Pray that the Lord will comfort them, especially their children, and provide for their material needs.

• Pray that many in their village will turn to Christ because of their courageous witness.