Source: Mission India, November 2023
In September, Pakiza [a church planter in Uttar Pradesh, India] and her brother Baheen were hosting a prayer gathering in the home of another believer, Pervaiz. A group of locals reported them to the police, alleging that they were in violation of their state’s anti-conversion law. Pakiza, Baheen, Pervaiz, and even Pakiza’s one-year-old daughter were arrested and placed in jail.
When I first learned of Pakiza’s situation, Acts 18:9 came to mind: “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.’” Pakiza, along with many church planters in India, have very good reason to be afraid of sharing the gospel, and yet they continue their work. They ‘keep on speaking’ knowing that believers just like you are praying for them. Prayer has kingdom impact, even in the midst of persecution!
As we recognize the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church this month, please pray for Pakiza, Baheen, and Pervaiz as they endure this trial. Pray that God provides for their needs and encourages their hearts, and that they are released from the charges.
Read the full story. See many stories like this (and more encouraging ones) on the Mission India website.
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church will be observed these next two Sundays (November 5 and 12). In addition to IDOP.org, check out free materials from Voice of the Martyrs.
See also 15 Days of Prayer for the Hindu World (November 5-19).
For more from India, see also Three Arrested in Uttar Pradesh for Forced Conversions and India Court Rules in Favor of Christian Converts (both from International Christian Concern).