"I can die or I can witness. Make me a witness for you."

This was the courageous prayer of Sunita* as she hid in a goat shed from her attackers. She had been beaten with bamboo rods by a group of men until she was unconscious, then dragged to the edge of her town. When she awoke, her wrist was broken; a bone was sticking out of it. She had no idea if her sister, Meena*, who was also beaten, was alive or dead.

Sunita and Meena's only crime was to decide to leave Hinduism and follow Jesus. Theirs is just one example of the discrimination and violence that is becoming increasingly common for Christians in India. 

Sunita is only 25, but has already experienced more persecution than most will face in a lifetime. And yet, she has refused to give up her faith in Christ. As she hid in that goat shed, she says: "I prayed that God's will be done."

She was reunited with Meena shortly afterwards. Open Doors partners have been able to provide them with food and pay for their medical expenses; they now live in hiding. Meena says: "Thank you for praying and helping us. You help us stand strong."

*names changed for security reasons.

STAND WITH YOUR CHURCH FAMILY IN INDIA

Open Doors works through local partners in India to provide persecuted Christians with Bibles and Christian literature, holistic training, livelihood and community development, adult literacy programmes, vocational education, advocacy support, legal seminars, and urgent aid and relief.

• Pray. Pray for healing and provision for Meena and Sunita, and that their family and community would encounter Jesus and decide to follow Him. Pray for wisdom and energy for Open Doors partners in India working to support victims of persecution.
• Give. Every £21 could resource a Rapid Response team of volunteers for a month as they bring comfort and practical support to persecuted believers.
• Come and meet your church family from India. One of our brothers from India will be speaking at our Standing Strong celebrations - grab some friends and order your tickets today!
• Tell others. Meena's story is included in our free Can you believe it? pack. Order yours and inspire your church or small group with stories of faith, hope and love. Watch the video: