A number of Christians in tribal villages in India have reportedly been punished with severe financial penalties for choosing to attend church on Easter last month, with some being forced to reconvert back to Hinduism. International Christian Concern, which reports on the stories of persecuted Christians, shared on Saturday that believers in the Junwani village of Chhattisgarh were heavily targeted. Christians were fined $312, or almost four to five months’ wages, if they were found to have attended a church service to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.
ICC said that 15 Christian families were forced to reconvert back to Hinduism by village elders so that they can be accepted back into society. One man from the families in question, Shivaram Tekam, explained that the Christians had to give livestock, money, and other gifts to the village deity during the reconversion ceremony. Tekam explained that he will continue trying to follow Jesus Christ in his heart, however. FULL REPORT
It sad to witness such persecutions, however we were told that it will happen, and how we should be brave as persevere in the midst of it. I might not be in the same situation that these Christians are but, we as True-Christians should never be afraid of the world that has been conquered. I am not passing judgement simply telling the truth as it is. Our patriarchs, the deaths of our 11 faithful disciples testify and sets examples for us. Stephen, the first of the martyrs, set an example for us. Never should we be afraid of death for the sake of the gospel. Apostle Paul, who called himself the greatest sinner, even though he wrote most of the New Testament, he was also killed for Jesus’ sake. When ISIS became noticed was when they killed 21 people near a sea and recorded the whole murder on video for the world to see. All where asked the same question before having their throats slashed. “Do you renounce and deny your Jesus?” and all men said “NO”. Because they saw their demise as an honor and they knew that Heaven will be a final destination for them guaranteed. Maybe some had seen what the word of God said regarding cowards in Revelation 21: 8 (NKJV) “But the COWARDLY (KJV: FEARFUL), unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” In the midst of trouble, that’s when our faith is tested. We should make the word of God our food and Him (Jesus) our Savior. We must pray for them, that have reconverted to darkness to receive the spirit of Love from Jesus and rebuke as well as remove that spirit of fear.. for it is not the gift of a born-again Christian (2 Timothy 1:7)