Church Construction Leads to Attempted Murder
by Staff
June 14, 2007
WEST BENGAL, INDIA (ANS) -- Two religious extremists tried to kill a Gospel for Asia pastor, Jay Edi, in March as he conducted a prayer meeting in a local believer's home in West Bengal, India. The men also severely beat Siddhani, the woman who owned the house. Her sister was also attacked. Bursting into the home, the men swung a large bamboo pole at Jay's head, but he dodged it and took the heavy blow to his shoulder instead. Then, the men grabbed Siddhani and her sister and beat them mercilessly.
The prayer group was finally saved when some neighbors heard the women shrieking for help. But before leaving the home, the extremists vandalized some of the property and threatened the pastor.
'We will kill you if you build a church in our village or continue working here,' shouted the violent men. 'You will regret it!'
Many churches meet in homes until they are able to construct a building of their own.
Several people had come to know the Lord through Jay's ministry, and now these believers wanted to build a church because they were outgrowing the believers' houses. The Christians had already gained permission to construct the building, and they were waiting on the construction materials to arrive.
When the extremists realized that many were turning to Christ in their area, they became furious and decided to raid the prayer meeting. Although their attempt to murder Jay was unsuccessful, they are still threatening the pastor and the other believers.
Because of this current safety issue, church construction has been delayed indefinitely. Despite the hostile situation, many are still coming to know the Lord through Jay's prayer meetings and worship services.
Jay requests prayer that the men who attacked the prayer meeting would find a personal relationship with Jesus. Also pray that the threats will subside and that construction on the church building will begin soon.
© 2007 ASSIST News Service, used with permission.
