Missionaries Freed in India

I am really happy to report some good news today regarding a group of missionaries  who were arrested in India earlier this month.  According to a report from The Christian Telegraph, the workers were charged with "deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs"

Here's more of the story:

 ...On the evening of August 11 around midnight, a mob of 20 Hindu extremists burst into the rented building, shouting threats and wielding sticks.

According to Mission India, the attackers beat two partners, burned Bibles, and terrified the participants who were held against their will for at least 14 hours. Another local pastor who rushed to the scene was also badly beaten.

One Christian escaped the melee and ran to the police for help. Police arrived on the scene and promptly arrested 8 of the Christians, including two members of Mission India's ministry staff. Officials also refused bail for several days.

Mission India's Don Edwards says while their team was in jail, "They did what Paul and Silas did while they were in prison. In the mornings and every evening, they had a worship service. They developed relationships with the prisoners. They shared the Gospel regularly with these people in prison."

The team's release is an answer to prayer; however, the false charges haven't been dismissed. It's not over yet, says Edwards. "It's very possible that there will be long term consequences. However, at the same time, when persecution like this sets in, often it often emboldens the Christian community to take an even stronger position."