On May
2009, Pastor Ramesh Mandevey was brutally attacked by 10 Hindu extremistswhile
he was returning from visiting a believer’s home in Tundavata, Madhya Pradesh,
India, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts.
The attack
occurred when the pastor and another believer were ambushed by Hindu extremists
from neighboring villages. The extremists questioned the men about their
evangelistic activities. “Before Pastor Ramesh could answer, they started
beating him severely using their fists, clubs and rods,” VOM contacts added. “Thirsty,
tired and severely injured, Pastor Ramesh started crawling towards a nearby
tree. Before he could reach the shelter of the tree, the extremists returned
and snatched his mobile phone, wallet which had Rs. 500 (US$10) and camcorder.”
The
pastor was later taken to the hospital with severe injuries on his right arm,
leg, head and jaw. The injuries to his jaw are so severe; he is unable to
swallow food. Before the attack, Hindu extremists lodged a complaint with the
police accusing the pastor of forcibly converting Hindus. The Voice of the
Martyrs is supporting this pastor and his family during this challenging time.
VOM is ensuring the pastor receives the necessary medical treatment for his
injuries. We encourage you to pray for this pastor who is risking his all for
the sake of the gospel. Ask God to heal him and use his testimony to minister
to his persecutors.