What Would You Do?

Christian Persecution is a subject that is mostly swept under the rug in this country. I very rarely hear about it on the major news channels, with the exception of Fox News, which does report on the subject occasionally.

I ask you, "What would you do, if someone were about to harm you because of your beliefs?" In India, specifically in the state of Orissa, Christians are being harmed on what seems to be a daily basis.

Take the following for example:

-In Orissa State, 65 identified people have been killed and 85 are still unaccounted for.
Among those killed were one man buried alive near the village of Rudangla; several
people burnt to death and others cut into pieces.

- 117 churches of all Christian denominations destroyed. Not a single Hindu temple has
been destroyed – despite allegations of retaliation by Christians.

- Approximately 5,000 homes destroyed.

- An unspecified number of Christian businesses destroyed, with the loss of livelihood for
their owners.

- 54,000 people displaced from their homes, forced to take shelter in 14 State-sponsored
Relief Camps in Kandhamal District; together with many hundreds living in non-State
camps, including 2 ‘camps’ in densely overcrowded buildings in Cuttsack town.

- It is estimated that about 20,000 are still living in the jungle or have fled to big cities.
Some may be living with relatives elsewhere.

- In addition to the violence in Kandhamal District, 2 other Districts, Japati and Baragras
District, have also experienced similar atrocities, including killings, looting and burning
of churches and homes. 2 Relief camps have been established for approximately 2,700
people who have had to flee their homes.

The group Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust went to the state of Orissa in India and investigated the attacks on Christians. If you want to read their findings in detail you can get the document here. I downloaded it and read it. One of the things that stood out was this:

In another incident, the mob caught a man called Samuel and asked him if he was a Christian or a Hindu. He replied
‘Please wait for 5 minutes, then I will tell you.’
During that time, he prayed to Christ to forgive them. They saw him praying and cut off his hands while he was at prayer and then killed him. They then threw his mother into a burning house while his daughter managed to run away.

Please remember that this is not the first century that you are hearing about, but this is Modern Day India!

We talk about religious freedom and democracy, but the world hates Christians. If you don't believe me, or if you don't believe the Bible, When Christ said the world will hate us for His sake, then at least look at the reports coming out detailing the attacks. Look to our own country when radical gays attack innocent Christians going to church because the gays lost an election.

So when it comes time that you face persecution, maybe not this severe, or maybe worse, ask yourself,
"What would I do?".