Urgent Prayer Request for Churches in Orissa, India
Benjamin Chan
December 28, 2007

More than 20 Christian churches in Orissa State, India were attacked by religious extremists during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The situation has been worsening despite the appeal for peace from the church leaders. Another 20 Christian churches and organizations have been attacked.

Rev. Samaresh Nayak, General Secretary of the Bengal-Orissa-Bihar Baptist Churches' Association (BOBBCA), a partner of the International Ministries since its formation in 1999, reported that "Pastor Phillip Das, one of the BOBBCA Pastors in the Chandabali Baptist Church, Bhadrak district reported that while Christmas Worship service was about to be end 50/60 religious fanatics entered into the church and shouted at the worshipers threatening them to stop the service. They attacked the pastor Das and manhandled him."

The church leaders in Orissa have requested the immediate intervention of the Government. Rev. Nayak is asking American Baptist churches to pray for their situation.