10/07/2004: Update-GFA Pastor Released
Update story to 10/06/2004: GFA Pastor Beaten and Kidnapped! .

Pastor Tulsiram, who was recently kidnapped by anti-Christians along with his coworker, was released yesterday. We give thanks for God’s intervention on behalf of these GFA pastors, who lead a growing church in Chhattisgarh (India) with 50 new believers. The ordeal began two days ago when pastors Tulsiram and Vijay were beaten in front of their congregation and dragged away. Vijay managed to escape, but Tulsiram was kept overnight and beaten repeatedly. He was told to leave the village or be killed. Meanwhile, before a gathering of the village council, new believers shared how the Gospel has changed their lives. A village priest testified, "I was going in the wrong way, and was directing others to the wrong way. Now I have found the right path. I will follow this path only; others can, too." Alarmed by the genuine conversions, the council decided that the two pastors must leave the village and surrounding area. This step, they hope, will prevent further conversions and preserve traditional ways. Continue to intercede for our brothers in India as they follow God’s call to reach souls with His message of hope. Pray for the village council members and kidnappers to be convicted of sin and drawn to the Savior. Pray for Pastor Tulsiram and Pastor Vijay to remain close to the Lord and strong in their passion for lost souls in the midst of such opposition. Give thanks for their protection during this ordeal.