The houses of three Christian families were burned down in a suspected act of persecution in Barabanki District, Uttar Pradesh, India, on 23 April.
The families work as labourers on farms around Kurilpur village.
While they were away working on the farms, unknown persons set fire to their homes. Everything inside the houses was destroyed. Important documents, cash, a motorbike, bicycles, household items, clothing and other belongings were burned to ashes.
Christians survey the damage after their home was burned down
The three families came to faith in Christ in 2017, according to Barnabas Aid contacts.
According to local reports, some residents had previously pressured the Christians to renounce their faith and instead follow “Shiv Charcha”, a movement within Hinduism. However, the believers remained steadfast in following Christ.
The affected families comprise 15 people in total: six adults and nine children between them, the youngest being three years old.
Uttar Pradesh is one of thirteen Indian states that have passed Freedom of Religion legislation, more commonly known as anti-conversion laws. These laws prohibit seeking converts through force, fraud or coercion, but are often wrongly believed to criminalise any Christian evangelism or worship.
How you can pray
Pray that the three families will receive comfort and encouragement from the Lord as they seek to rebuild their lives after the trauma of this incident. Ask that their physical and material needs will be met and that they experience safe resettlement. Pray that our brothers and sisters will be comforted in remembering that what man intends for evil, God intends for good (Genesis 50:20).
