Being a Christian in India was already a difficult road to walk as many would like to see everything but their own religion ousted from the country altogether.

Persecution of Christians has been on the rise for quite a few years. India is still in the top ten countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, according to the world watch list put out by OpenDoors. 

In August, an angry mob gathered outside the village home of ITMI’s Paul and Molly, yelling demands and threats just after Paul and Molly had left to get supplies from town. Their 23 children were at the property with Paul’s Aunt and Uncle. No one was hurt, but it was a traumatic event for the children.  

In September, ITMI partner, David Kumar wrote, “There has been an increase in systematic attacks on churches and pastors in recent past.” He had to cancel two training events that were scheduled in rural villages to teach believers how to talk about Jesus to their friends of other faiths because, “those churches were under the watch of the evil people who would have created problems for us had we gone to conduct trainings.”

The pandemic has only added to the burden carried by pastors in India.

Their congregants are traumatized by loss, suffering, and injustice. Often they are without income during lockdowns which are unpredictable. Last June, Paul and Molly found that one in four of their own congregants were homeless for lack of rent money. (Paul’s team has been able to help many with gifts of food through your support.)

Hungry and feeling forgotten and alone, it’s easy for them to become discouraged. 

Paul and Molly have started several pastors’ fellowships to equip pastors from all over India and remind them of Gospel truths that can carry them through their difficulties.

How highly the 200 pastors who are part of this ministry value the fellowship meetings is demonstrated by the fact that they will call in from hospital beds and spend their meager personal resources to come when the gatherings can be held in person.

In September, a few men tearfully testified that the training is helping them grow alongside other believers in the face of great loss and suffering. The men shared about their new outlooks on the importance of emotionally caring for their spouses and families in advance of ministry pursuits.

The calls and conferences are held regularly - about once a month as possible.

Meet two of the pastors of Paul’s Pastor Fellowship

Pastor Raja

Molly writes, “Pastor Raja has trained with Paul for six years after having given up his business to shepherd people. He became destitute and suffered division in his home until Paul helped him to see the benefits of “tent-making” (holding a job while pastoring a church body).

Raja has experienced God’s blessing of a profitable coconut farm and the planting of a second church. In addition, Raja leads a ministry to children via tuition assistance. They are ready to plant another church - to God be the glory!”

Pastor John

Molly shares, “Pastor John faces daily opposition to the Gospel inside and outside his home. The pastors’ fellowship has taught him to serve his wife and family first, and his revived marriage serves as an example to other husbands and fathers as the congregation grows. He praised the Lord in tears sharing without this training, his marriage wouldn't have survived the pressures of the pandemic.”

By contrast, last July Paul and Molly shared, “An alarming number of couples [from their congregation] are asking for our help to divorce, as the pandemic forced many families to separate to find work.”

A special conference is planned for the last week of February (the conference hadn’t yet occurred at press time).

Paul planned to travel to meet with some of the pastors in one geographical area in person. He’s enlisted ITMI’s Steve Evers to share with the pastors via the internet from Ephesians 6:10-13, encouraging them to “stand firm”. Paul will travel to another area next month for the same type of event. 

Pray for these pastors and their churches. Ask the Lord to bring them deep, sustaining encouragement that is only found in Him.