On January 16, Pastor Yakobu (37) was attacked by Hindu militants at his home in Gumpula village, Andhra Pradesh, India. At approximately midnight, Pastor Yakobu was home alone when he heard a knock on his door. When he answered, six men burst in, beat him, cut him with a knife and shaved his head. They also set fire to his clothes and books and shouted that they didn't want any pastors in the village. The next morning, Pastor Yakobu and several local pastors went to the police station and filed a complaint against the attackers.

Pray for healing for Pastor Yakobu. Pray that he, his wife and their children will rely on God's guidance and care. Pray for an outpouring of the Lord's Spirit in India to embolden and strengthen Christians facing trials for their faith.

For more on the persecution of Christians in India, go to the India Country Report.