Vijayalakshmi is a 29-year-old community healthcare worker in the village of Uppaladinni, Karnataka State. Her work involves going door to door to raise awareness about basic healthcare, but some villagers objected that a Christian woman was allowed to enter their homes. They threatened her family and tried to get her fired.
Vijayalakshmi was falsely accused of forced conversion, and the allegations went viral. The police called a meeting on 10 January to try to resolve the situation. But when Vijayalakshmi was given the mic to share her grievance, a large crowd attacked her and her husband, Ashok.
Lift up Vijayalakshmi and Ashok in prayer, as well as other families from the same church who have been threatened and harassed.
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Sunday 14 April
Although the police assured Vijayalakshmi that she would not be fired, she continued to receive death threats following the incident. Pray that she would be free to continue her important work in the community without fear.
Monday 15 April
On 3 January, the community chief in Uppaladinni directed local utility services to cut off the electricity and water supply for three families – leaving them without basic services for at least four days. Ask God to guard and continually provide for these families, who were warned that they would be killed if they remained Christians.
Tuesday 16 April
The harassment of Christians in Uppaladinni illustrates the growing hostility towards religious minorities across India. Pray that the authorities would address this concerning trend as a matter of urgency.
Wednesday 17 April
‘And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.’ (Daniel 6:23b) Pray that the same God who divinely protected Daniel in the lion’s den would protect Christians in India today.
Thursday 18 April
The Indian government is using the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) to hinder the work of non-profit organisations, particularly those viewed as a threat to the
state. Pray for favour for charities which have been affected by financial cuts to foreign donations, due to cancellation of their FCRA licence, and are now struggling to meet the needs of the people they are supporting.
Friday 19 April
Some Christian education institutions have been forced to remove religious symbols from their buildings and introduce Hindu rituals, under threat of violence from far-right Hindu groups. Pray that those who work in these places do not succumb to fear and that the threats will amount to nothing, and ultimately cease.
Saturday 20 April
Father God, you are the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and the Prince of Peace. We ask that you establish peace across India – especially during this year’s election season, when there is a heightened risk of communal violence and discrimination against minorities. Where there is threat, violence and division, we ask for compassion, healing and harmony across the nation. Amen.