More than 60 people set fire to a church building used for Sunday school in Puttlam District, National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka, reported.
Members of the church who live in the vicinity arrived at the scene and attempted to stop the arson attack and were assaulted by the mob. The attackers threatened children who had also gathered, but their parents took them away to safety. The pastor informed the police about the attack, however, they were not able to bring the large mob under control for some time, but eventually succeeded in dispersing them.
Another church in Puttlam District was set on fire and completely destroyed during the night, on Aug. 17. A group of people who visited the pastor’s house earlier that evening and threatened him is suspected of having carried out the arson attack. A police complaint has been made and three persons were arrested. Pray for the members of these two churches.
The Voice of the Martyrs provides assistance to rebuild or relocate churches, like the churches in Puttlam District, that have been destroyed or their members have dispersed to different areas by violent persecution. VOM also provides assistance to pastors who have lost possessions during persecution.
Ask God to protect and provide for these churches and provide resources to rebuild the church building. Pray their testimonies will draw their persecutors into fellowship with Christ.