For Immediate Release
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Rasul was able to escape before his family members could beat him, but this believer was not so fortunate. When his father found out he was going to church, he beat him and threatened to kill him. |
SOUTH ASIA (ANS) -- "The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?" -Ps. 27:1 (NKJV)
His heart pounding, Rasul Gupta hurried into hiding to escape from angry family members who wanted to beat him. What did they have against him? He chose to follow Christ.
A few months ago, Gospel for Asia-supported missionary Pallab Singh met Rasul, a member of the Brahmin caste, and the two struck up a conversation. As they talked, Pallab had the opportunity to share about how Jesus had touched his life.
He also explained the Gospel to his new friend. After thinking about Pallab's words, Rasul ended up deciding to surrender his life to the Lord. At the church where Pallab serves as pastor, Rasul testified that he wanted to follow Jesus, and he joined the congregation.
But his new faith sparked frustration from his family members. Staunchly devoted to their traditional religion, his parents, in-laws and even his wife chastised Rasul for his decision to serve Christ. Like many other Brahmins, they believe any connection with Christianity, which is often considered a low-caste religion, would make them impure.
On July 25, Rasul's family members told him he must deny Christ and stop attending the church. His father-in-law and his uncle planned to beat him. Thankfully, Rasul was able to flee and find refuge at the home of a believer from his church.
Two days later, Rasul had the opportunity to meet the GFA regional leader, who prayed for Rasul and encouraged him to trust God.
Rasul is still staying at the fellow believer's home. His friends have gravely warned him not to return home because his whole family is waiting to torture him.
Rasul's situation is unique. Many women in South Asia face opposition from their entire families when they choose to follow Christ, it is much less common for a man to face the anger and abuse of all his family members-even his wife.
Pastor Pallab and other GFA leaders in the area request prayer for Rasul to stand firm in the Lord during this trying time and for God to protect him from harm. Also, please pray for his family members to come to know Christ very soon.
- Like Rasul, Namisha comes from the highest caste and suffered the rejection of relatives when she chose to follow Christ.
- Read more stories about believers who have faced persecution for their faith in Christ.
| Gospel for Asia is an evangelical mission organization based in Carrollton, Texas, involved in sharing the love of Jesus across South Asia. |
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