GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law.
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
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GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
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GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |
ASSIST News Service (ANS) -
PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
|
|
|
GFA Missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih, pictured with his family, was released from jail, but still faces charges of violating his state's anti-conversion law. |
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, jail on January 5. He has since been reassigned to a different area of the state.
Yashpal was arrested after three people from the village falsely accused him of offering them education, money and jobs in exchange for converting to Christianity. Although Yashpal did not do any of these things, the police were forced to investigate because Madhya Pradesh is one of the Indian states with an anti-conversion law. The statute, called a “freedom of religion” law, does not allow conversions that are the result of “force, fraud or allurement.”
The laws, which are on the books in several Indian states, also require people to register their intent to change their religion 30 days in advance.
Those who share the Gospel in India are often accused of violating anti-conversion laws. This is an ongoing problem, especially for GFA missionaries, even though they do not force anyone to follow Christ, nor promise them anything in exchange for salvation. In most cases, those who do choose to follow Christ know that their life will become more difficult—not better—as they face persecution for their new faith.
Yashpal was leading three small fellowships with a total of 56 new Christians when he was arrested. Most of the people in these congregations are descendants of a tribal group that strongly adheres to a traditional religion whose followers worship idols. Yashpal had a special burden for the people because his own father was a priest in their religion.
When Yashpal was a child, his father taught him how to conduct the rituals and offer sacrifices to the idols. Yashpal gave his life to Chirst when he was an adult and later chose to serve the Lord full time.
A well-known anti-Christian extremist group in this area constantly harassed Yashpal when he worked there. The group was successful in shutting down a church construction project when it was only halfway complete.
In spite of the opposition, Yashpal continued to share the Good News. In addition to the 56 new Christians, he led a Sunday School for 20 children and regularly visited house to house, praying and handing out tracts.
Even though he is now serving in a different town, he will have to stand trial in the same city in Madhya Pradesh where the arrest occurred.
Yashpal and the GFA leaders are asking Christians to pray for justice to be done in this case, that the Lord will grant Yashpal the strength to endure this trial.
· The rich forests in Madhya Pradesh yield valuable wood, such as teak and ebony.
· Himachal Pradesh, India, also has anti-conversion legislation.
| 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. |