Pray for Orissa

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† Orissa Again Under Attack †

Fervent Prayer Urgently Requested by Persecuted Christians Caught in the
Midst of Civil Conflict

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12

Once again Evangelicals and Catholics in the Kandhamal District of Orissa
State have come under attack. The motivation is unclear, but a group of
burgeoning communist insurgents is suspected of attacking and killing
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader, Swami Laksmanananda Saraswati and four
of his associates on Saturday, August 23, 2008.

Various Hindu nationalist groups are trying to blame local Christians for
these outrageous acts. They claim this must have been in retaliation for
the "Black Christmas" persecution that began December 24, 2007. At that
time 90 churches were destroyed and 700 homes burned - acts instigated by
the now deceased VHP leader, Swami Laksmanananda Saraswati.

But a Christian ministry in India contacted Christian Aid, advising that
Christians have gone on record with a public announcement which denounces
these acts of hate and destruction. This ministry leader has also solicited
action from all concerned individuals to make appeals to the Prime Minister
of India and other notable officials to stop the violence.

He is making an appeal to the Christian community in India and abroad for
prayer for the protection of believers in Kandhamal and other parts of
Orissa.

In the meantime, riots continue to erupt all over Orissa by Hindu
extremists believing the lie. Christians are once again being forced to
flee into the jungles as their homes are being looted, demolished and
burned. Please pray for the safety of our brethren during this crisis.

Pray that the truth will prevail - politically and spiritually. Pray with
us against the powers of wickedness and rulers of darkness wreaking havoc
and causing confusion among these people.