“Through my preaching, many men and women from the Manjhi caste accepted Jesus and they offered me an open place to conduct worship,” Pastor Das explained. “We built a ‘mutt’ (a thatched hut without any walls) and started worshipping under the neem trees.”
“Our fellowship grew to 200 and more people,” Pastor Das continued. “The Manjhis migrate to work in the brick kilns on a seasonal basis in October and November months. So the strength of the church varies from time to time.”
The continued growth of Pastor Das’ ministry did not go unnoticed. “The fanatics didn’t like this open place worship, so they attacked and beat me,” Pastor Das told ICC.
A mob of 150 fanatics, including many non-Christian Manjhi, gathered on November 4 and attacked Pastor Das soon after a worship service concluded.
On that particular Sunday, many of the male believers were away at work in the brick kilns and only 80 to 90 people, primarily women, were gathered in attendance.
The attackers used abusive language and accused Pastor Das of converting people. They pointed out that his open air worship service had created problems and demanded that the pastor stop the regular gathering or move his congregation to a premise with walls and closed doors.
“When our believers requested them to give some time to buy a place and build a worship hall, they surrounded us and started beating us,” Pastor Das said. “Two men caught me and began to rain blows on me with their hands. I got hurt in my chest very badly and my arm was injured. They threw me on the ground and beat me until I became unconscious.”
Pastor Das was unable to talk further with ICC as he began to suffer a severe headache, another result of the beating he endured on November 4. After Pastor Das fell unconscious, he was immediately rushed to a nearby private medical clinic where he was treated for three days. Internal injuries still cause the pastor much pain and he is unable to speak properly.
Over the past two weeks, Pastor Das has been recuperating at his home in Bihta while a Christian woman is continuing to lead Bible classes in Tetua. According to Pastor Das’ son, Sunil Kumar, as soon as his father gets well, he plans to continue the ministry.
Many challenges lie ahead for Pastor Das and the community he leads in Tetua. Raising funds to purchase or build a building for worship will be difficult. Still, the church is not discouraged. In fact, they are already making plans.
“We have to collect money for buying land and constructing a hall,” Sunil told ICC. “It will take at least six months. But we are praying that God may provide us some resources for this purpose.”
For interviews with William Stark, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected]