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Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Missionary Faces Death Threats with Courage

Gospel for Asia
For Immediate Release

MAHARASHTRA, INDIA (ANS) -- Last month, we reported on Daruka Abhi, a Gospel for Asia missionary, and his family in Maharashtra, India, who have been the target of ominous death threats made by anti-Christian extremists. Far from wearing Daruka down, the threats that began in April have rather shown the courage of a man who dearly loves his Savior.

Far from wearing Daruka down, the threats that began in April have rather shown the courage of a man who dearly loves his Savior.
Daruka is pastor of a 150-member GFA-affiliated church. He also oversees a flourishing Bridge of Hope center. The low-caste people in this community are enthusiastic about this outreach for their children. Government officials have also shown their appreciation and have visited the center as guest speakers. However, this recognition of the Christians has made local anti-Christian extremists unhappy, and they began threatening Daruka.

“No, I am okay,” Daruka bravely responded. “But I have a wife, a son who is eight and a daughter who is only three. If I die, what will happen to them? We have no one since we are the only believers from our family, and they no longer talk to us.”

Although the situation appears to have calmed down, the threats are still very real. Daruka’s home is close to one of the main instigators, and this man keeps a close eye on Daruka.

A GFA field correspondent asked Daruka if he was afraid.

“No, I am okay,” Daruka bravely responded. “But I have a wife, a son who is eight and a daughter who is only three. If I die, what will happen to them? We have no one since we are the only believers from our family, and they no longer talk to us.”

GFA leaders know the seriousness of the situation Daruka faces. They are doing all they can to protect Daruka and his family.

Pray for continued courage for Daruka as he ministers with the Gospel in Maharashtra. Pray for his and his family’s protection and for the salvation of those who have made these serious threats against him.

Read more about the threats made against Daruka.

Daruka is not the only missionary who has been threatened with death recently. Read Daya Marandi's story here, and rejoice to see how God turned the situation around.

Gospel for Asia is a mission organization involved in evangelism and church planting in Asia's unreached regions. Currently Gospel for Asia supports more than 16,000 church planters in 10 countries.
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