*Instead of continuing today with “Scrolls and Parchments” I need to make you aware of something very important that affects the Body of Christ. In my 21 years as a Christian, nothing has shaped my theology or my worldview more than my time in India. The following is a press release from Hopegivers (www.hopegivers.com) concerning the ongoing persecution of the church in India. I post this with their permission, and with a sincere request that we pray fervently for our brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer for His Name.*

Imagine for a moment that you are attending a Christmas Eve service at your home church. You are worshipping and singing with your family when all of a sudden an angry mob bursts through the door; demanding the service stop immediately. The mob, greatly outnumbering the church members, begins destroying the church and chases you and your family into the nearby forest. For some of our brothers and sisters in the East Indian state of Orissa, this is exactly how their Christmas Eve was spent.

We have been closely monitoring the escalating violence against Christians and Christian institutions in Orissa. Christians only account for 1% of Orissa’s total population of 36 million.

On Christmas Eve, a mob of anti-Christians began harassing believers who were preparing a public Christmas celebration in Kandhamal District. The harassment soon turned violent, as the mob started destroying church buildings and looting Christian-owned shops and homes. According to the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), at least eight people have been killed, 20 churches have been destroyed and 2,000 believers injured since the unrest began. Reports from the field indicate that thousands of Christians have been forced into nearby forest and jungle; waiting for the riots and violence to be quelled. They are without adequate water, food, sheler or clothes. The weather is cool in this area and the jungles and forests are filled with snakes and other deadly animals.

Hopegivers supports several projects in this under-developed state; including a Hope Home with 65 children and several churches. Our leaders report that the children are doing well considering the tense circumstances. Local government officials and media have been helping the children in our Hope Home, feeding them three meals a day and looking after their needs.

We ask you to stand with these Christians who are being blatantly attacked, and provide relief from the terror they are currently under. We have friends on the ground that are ready and able to deliver aid to families in need. We’ve already sent $5,000 for the people who need it most, but realize much more is needed.

For many Christians in Orissa, the trouble is only beginning as they will soon return to destroyed homes, shops and church buildings. We want to help our brothers and sisters in their time of need, so please join us in prayer and action.

For more news on the Orissa riots:

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20071227/30653_Christmas_Riots_Continue_in_Orissa.htm

http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/dec/29orissa.htm

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