10 of our workers, including 3 of our key leaders, got together to pray and commit themselves and the day to the Lord. They were very excited about the day as they were going to be involved in an exciting, strategic ministry that has been in planning for over 12 months. They couldn"t wait to see the reality of their vision, prayers and tears. The team set off in a small van and motor bikes to join other brothers and sisters for the 3 day celebration meeting.

As the team members set off they were aware of the strong opposition that existed to the meetings. The leading morning newspapers had carried a front page report of wide-spread protests and traffic blocks to protest against the meetings. But little did they realize that anything would happen to them in the broad day light, and that too on the busy highway.

About 10 kilometers from their destination, a silver color 4WD came from behind and a youth sitting at the window asked our vehicle to stop. 12 young men, all in their twenties, came and demanded identification. They wanted to search the vehicle. As the team's efforts of explanation proved futile, the youths pressed forward and began to take bags and examine them by force. As soon as they saw Christian literature they snatched the keys of the vehicle.

 "These are Christians! " they yelled. While some of them held our team others rushed to the 4WD and took out sticks and iron rods. Accusing the team of converting scheduled caste people to Christianity, they started hitting them. They started to shout,  "They have come to convert our people. " Soon people from every direction started to beat them up like animals, shouting,  "You deserve to die! " One team member was trying to protect one of the bags despite the demands to hand it over. This bag had Bibles, gospel tracts and other evangelistic material. He sat on the top of the bag so the precious contents wouldn"t be destroyed. In return he received severe thrashing on his legs, hands and back, so much that he collapsed and began to vomit violently   but he still did not let go of his bag.

Some of the youth were holding the team members down so that others could hit them; they hit them hard on the face, hands and shoulders. The buses and other vehicles stood on the either side on the highway and bystanders watched the scene in utter indifference. Not a single person came forward to help.

Two team members on a motorbike were chased by the attackers. Unfortunately the little bike could not get away from the powerful 4WD. When they caught up these men were also beaten mercilessly in the open. Miraculously, somehow, they managed to get back on their bike and escape.

The assailants are believed to belong to the orthodox Hindu fundamentalist group. It appears that the Hindu fundamentalist political people have brainwashed their party workers by telling them that Christians convert the Scheduled Caste people and once converted, these people would not vote for their party. Hence, the party's votes would be reduced and they would lose power in the next election.

Since the beatings we have learned that various fundamental groups positioned their men at the borders of two adjoining States- Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. From these points they sent back hundreds of people coming to attend the meetings. Reports have also been received of people being beaten at these unofficial check points. After the attack on our vehicle and team, the protests were intensified and anti-Christian workers put blockades on the streets leading to the meeting venue and also jammed the traffic. The buses were stopped and passengers were asked to show their luggage. Those caught on suspicion were dragged out and beaten. It was even reported that some Rajasthan Roadways Transport operators denied tickets to people wanting to go to the meetings.

Our Indian leaders were aware of the opposition and potential problems and managed to organise tight security at the meeting. Although about 400 police were deployed at the venue they were not able to do anything to help people who were coming and going from the meetings.

Soon after we got the message Jossy was able to speak personally with all those who were affected. Despite what they been through their spirits were high. One said to Jossy,  "We have not experienced 1% of what our Master did so we are 99% better off. " Another said,  "We are not only prepared to believe in Jesus but we are prepared to die for Him. In the midst of his pain and uncertainty, the brother who was most hurt in the beating said,  "Yes, Pastor Jossy, we have been beaten. But we are not defeated, oh no, not defeated! "

Our leaders have made a united statement,  "We have put our hands to the plough and there is no turning back now. No matter what the cost, it remains our prayer and dream that one day we will be able to see thousands of churches planted in this unreached region of the world. "

Dear friends, the Bible tells us that we are one body, and if one part is hurt the whole body hurts. Jossy was able to encourage these hurting workers and give them the assurance that their brothers and sisters in the west will stand with them in prayer and do whatever necessary to help them.

Would you join us and pray for these brothers, their families, churches, and their health? And pray for wisdom for our Indian leaders? Thank you for sharing their pain in this way. And know that through your prayers you are also sharing in the vital task of reaching the unreached.