An Indian missionary sponsored by Gospel for Asia was recently released from prison after fighting a false charge behind bars for the past eight years, the Christian News Network reports. The missionary, only identified as Pastor Samuel, was first arrested in 2004 in Jhharkhand, India, for allegedly participating in a riot that left 19 dead. Although he told officials he had no part in the riot, he was incarcerated nonetheless after being misidentified as a member of a rebel group. Hearings for Pastor Samuel were delayed, and he was forced to be separated from his wife and daughter during the eight-year period. In August 2010, a court ruled that the charge against him should be dropped because of insufficient evidence to convict him. However, one final hearing had to take place, which was again delayed. Almost three years later, Pastor Samuel is finally free. "I was totally depressed in this situation, but the Lord helped me to realize he has a special plan for me to be in the prison," he said. "The Lord is helping me to share the love of Jesus with the prisoners. Through my ministry, I see the transformation that is happening in their lives." While in prison, Pastor Samuel shared the Gospel with his cellmates and was eventually given permission to conduct prayer services. He states that approximately 20 people came to faith in Christ behind bars.
