Christian Freedom International

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – The latest news from Orissa, India is not good. As a matter of fact, it’s downright frightening. I know, I was just there delivering medicine, food, and aid to persecuted Christians.

The trouble began when Swami Lakshmananda Saraswati, a renowned Hindu leader who was openly opposed to Christianity, was murdered on August 23, 2008. Hindu radicals quickly began to retaliate against the Christian community, despite the fact that Maoist extremists claimed to be responsible for the Swami’s murder. Militants are now launching attacks against Christian homes and churches, setting fire to everything in their paths and viciously beating, or even murdering, Christian pastors.

Our indigenous co-workers have reported directly from the field that the devastation is affecting thousands of people in many districts throughout Orissa State. Thousands of homes have been either partially or completely damaged, electricity and phone lines have been cut, and dozens of injured people have been hospitalized as a result of the violence.

Those who manage to escape the destruction take refuge in the nearby forests and jungles, where hundreds are already struggling to survive without adequate food, medicine, clothing or shelter.