Source:  www.assistnews.net

Date:  2008-07-24

Gospel for Asia
For Immediate Release

GFA Bible college students often pray earnestly for the lost world and are prepared to pay any price to reach their people with the Gospel of Jesus.

MAHARASHTRA, INDIA (ANS) -- On July 19, two Gospel for Asia Bible college students endured beatings and ridicule for handing out evangelistic tracts in Maharashtra, India. They were on their weekend outreach when the incident occurred.

The trouble began when Mohan, a third-year student, came across an automobile driver who questioned his authority to distribute tracts about Jesus. The automobile driver then slapped Mohan on his face.

Simson, another third-year student, was distributing Gospel tracts nearby and rushed to protect Mohan. The scene drew a crowd of people and they, too, began to interrogate the students.

They shouted at Mohan and Simson, using vulgarities to speak out against them. Their attackers shoved the two students around and beat them until they were severely bruised. One of the attackers pushed Simson down and kicked him.

At first, no one came to the students' aid. Finally, a few people from among the crowd told the assailants to stop beating them. The attackers grabbed their Christian literature, telling them, "We don't want any Jesus." Then they let Mohan and Simson go, warning them not to return.

A GFA field leader in the area reports that both men remain at the Bible college-and have expressed joy that they had the privilege to suffer for Christ. He asks for prayer that the Lord will grant both men a good recovery and much strength to continue their ministry with renewed vigor. He also requests prayer for the salvation of those who attacked Mohan and Simson.

GFA has 120 students enrolled in the Maharashtra Bible college.