In a country in South Asia, “Ashton” came to faith in Jesus two years ago, was baptized, and now attends Pastor “Harry’s” church, where he is being discipled. Although his wife is not yet a Christian, she has heard the gospel many times through Bible reading, a Bible study group, and a prayer group.

A few months ago, while Ashton was sitting at a tea stall, a group of six men approached him and asked when he had become a Christian.

When Ashton answered, they told him that believing in Jesus was a great sin, that he would not go to heaven, and that his faith would harm their Muslim community. They then beat him and stopped only after a local leader intervened about five or six minutes later.

Pastor Harry later met with the group that attacked Ashton and, with local leaders serving as mediators, discussed the situation for about an hour and a half. He also visited Ashton at home, where Ashton’s wife was in tears over what had happened. She asked Pastor Harry to pray for protection for their family.

Pray for these precious churches in this South Asian country, for their faith to grow and flourish in spite of the persecution.