Persecuted on a Train

Persecuted on a Train

Gospel for Asia

Trains are a common way to travel in India. Arun was attacked while sharing the Gospel with a passenger on a train.

HARYANA, INDIA (ANS) -- As the train pulled out of the station and bumped down the track, Gospel for Asia native missionary Arun Brajendra found his seat. Striking up a conversation with another passenger, he saw an opportunity to share the love of Jesus. So, with a Gospel booklet in his hand, he began outlining the steps to becoming a follower of Christ. Little did he know that he was about to pay a great price for obeying the Lord's call on his life.

Arun grew up in a nominal Christian family, but in August of 2007 he wholeheartedly gave his life to the Lord. He soon answered a call on his life to full-time ministry and left his secular job to travel with an evangelistic group across India.

During this time, Arun read an article about missionary Graham Stanes and his two sons who were burned to death by anti-Christian extremists. Challenged by this missionary's dedication, Arun felt the Lord calling him to serve regardless of the cost. So, he enrolled in Bible college to further prepare himself for ministry.

Tearing his clothes and destroying his Gospel literature, the extremists kept attacking Arun until he fell to the floor unconscious.

Following graduation from the GFA Bible college, Arun went to serve in Haryana, India. As he boarded the train that day, Arun looked for someone who needed Christ. He began discussing the Gospel message with the person sitting next to him.

Out of nowhere, some of the other passengers jumped up and began beating Arun. They were anti-Christian extremists and had been listening in on his conversation. Tearing his clothes and destroying his Gospel literature, the extremists kept attacking Arun until he fell to the floor unconscious. As the group was ready to throw him off the train, another passenger came to his rescue.

After a few days rest, Arun became well enough to continue his ministry. Although he was badly injured in the attack, his resolve to reach the lost was only strengthened. Since the attack, Arun has faced more opposition along the way. However, he counts it a blessing to be able to suffer for the name of Jesus to be proclaimed. Through perseverance in his ministry, Arun recently started a church where 40 people now regularly worship.

Arun requests prayer that more people will come to know Jesus as he shares the Gospel message with those who have never heard it before. GFA field leaders also ask for prayer for protection for Arun and his new wife as they serve in an area where many are opposed to Christianity.