10/02/2018 Washington, D.C. (International Christian Concern) – On June 5, 2018, Pastor Mukunda Sagar, a pastor and evangelist in Bargarh, India, was ministering to the sick in his community when he was called out of the home by a group of 15 to 20 people. Once outside of the home, the group of people held him down and began to attack him. The group beat him with sticks, iron poles, and rods. With inappropriate language, they mocked Pastor Mukunda and his faith in Jesus Christ, and threatened to kill him.

During the attack, the group asked the pastor for the keys to his vehicle, which were inside the home. The group then let the pastor go, to retrieve the keys inside the home.  Although badly injured, the pastor was able to escape from his attackers and flee the home, taking shelter in some fields nearby. The group searched for the pastor with flashlights, but Pastor Mukunda remained hidden despite his poor condition.

Pastor Mukunda reflected on the attack, saying, “I was feeling very thirsty and I was bleeding badly and having lot of pain in my body, but God gave me strength.” Once the group left, Pastor Mukunda was able to seek help and was admitted to the hospital where he received medical treatment for his injuries.

International Christian Concern (ICC) responded immediately and helped Pastor Mukunda and his family cover the medical costs, in addition to providing food and clothing for the family. Additionally, ICC supplied Pastor Mukunda’s family with a sewing machine and accessories to help offset some long-term financial troubles as a result of the attack.

Pastor Mukunda said, “Persecution is a blessing for me… with [the help from ICC] we are extremely encouraged to stand for the Lord Jesus Christ at any cost. I thank ICC from the bottom of my heart.”

Mukunda’s wife added, “I am very thankful to God for considering our suffering for Him. I thank ICC for helping us in such a way, in beginning with medical assistance and now with livelihood, food, aid, and clothes. This is an absolute support to uphold my family after the crisis.”

Pastor Mukunda and his family, although struggling, thank God for the persecution they are facing, as they know it is a gift from God. The support that ICC gives to families like Pastor Mukunda’s encourages families and reminds them that they are not alone and that God has not forgotten them in the midst of their suffering.

For interviews with William Stark, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected]