Indian Christians

Christians in India face increasing hostility as Hindu nationalism continues to rise across many parts of the country. Thousands of pastors, leaders and believers are falsely accused of forcing others to convert – then arrested and detained under anti-conversion laws. Pastor Laxman* was one of them – we shared his story in 2024.

“I am strengthened to serve God in every possible way, and I will continue to praise Him in all circumstances, wherever I am,” shares Laxman.

Following the persecution detailed in the video above, when Laxman was arrested and beaten for sharing his faith and bringing people to fellowship, his church had been placed under a strict surveillance. That’s made it impossible for people to meet and worship together.

Laxman is particularly targeted for monitoring, and he maintains a low profile. Prayer meetings are held in people’s homes, in small groups. And yet Laxman – undercover – is running six small house churches! Each one has between 10 and 70 members.

“When Christ was doing His ministry in this earth, He constantly faced opposition, but that did not stop Him from fulfilling His purpose here,” says Laxman. “Then what can stop me from fulfilling the purpose of God, who has called me to serve Him?”

Open Doors partners are helping with repairs to Laxman’s home, and are serving his wider church community with training and income-generation projects. “Thank-you for walking alongside us in our challenges,” says Laxman. “The extremists are still powerful and they continue to trouble the minorities, especially Christians, and therefore churches continue to face attacks. Please keep praying for us.”