Formerly Hostile Hindus Converting to Christ in India

Thousands of Hindus are hearing the Gospel of Christ in a region of India known for its violent persecution of Christians.

Christian Aid Mission reports it's happening in Kandhamal District located in Orissa state. That's where radical Hindu mobs had attacked Christians in 2008, killing nearly 100, destroying thousands of their homes and hundreds of their churches.

CBN News reported extensively on that wave of persecution.

"As the mob was destroying our churches I could hear them chanting, 'Victory to our Hindu gods,'" pastor Solomon Nayak said in 2008. "All we could do was hide in our homes and pray."

The uprising occurred after Hindus falsely accused Christians of killing their leader. Even though a Maoist group claimed responsibility for that murder, seven Christians were sentenced to life in prison.

The hatred of Christians is still a factor in the region, with some Hindus attacking church meetings and boycotting Christian businesses.

But for others, the hostility has turned into a hunger to know more about Jesus Christ. A local ministry is holding large evangelistic outreaches in the jungles, at many of the former sites of violence.

"They are happy to accept Jesus as their God and Savior and to live for Him in the midst of persecution," the ministry's director told Christian Aid Mission. "Thousands are gathering in the jungle camps in Kandhamal District to hear the living Word of God."

"People were happy and encouraged to live for Jesus and His kingdom," he said. "The Lord also is doing great and marvelous work in the lives of those who believe in Jesus Christ."

He said 1,000 to 2,000 people have attended each of their 14 outdoor meetings and miracles have occurred.

One woman, who once hated Christians and had been a Hindu at one point was set free from an evil spirit that had possessed her.

"She was healed in the name of Jesus after she was completely possessed by an evil spirit, which led her to go from one faith to another faith in search of salvation from sickness and sadness," he said. "She is healed now and testifying that Jesus is the true and loving God."

The woman said her son has also accepted Christ, and their lives have been changed.

"I was searching for this kind of life, and Jesus gave it to me," she said. "He is the only true and loving God. I am happy now."