Around 11 a.m. on Feb. 26, a mob of nearly 200 Hindus surrounded Faizal’s house in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh.

They threatened him, demanding that he renounce Jesus and reconvert to Hinduism. When Faizal refused to abandon his faith, the mob beat him and his family mercilessly and tore down their home. They ransacked the house, throwing the family’s belongings into the street.

Before leaving, the mob warned Faizal that if he continued to hold prayers in his home, they would destroy him and his family.

For nearly two years, Faizal’s family had endured persistent harassment simply because they chose to remain steadfast in their Christian faith. But what happened that day was beyond anything they could have imagined.

Within hours, they lost the little security and dignity they had spent years building. That night, the family was forced to sleep under the open sky, covering themselves with nothing more than a polythene sheet.

“After we were driven from our village, my family and I were left with almost nothing,” Faizal said. “We were struggling financially and emotionally.”

Making All Things New

Soon after an International Christian Concern (ICC) worker learned of Faizal’s story, he met with Faizal and his family and created plans to rebuild their home.

“ICC came alongside us,” Faizal said. “They provided materials needed to rebuild the house again. We are so encouraged by their visit and the assurance that we are not alone. Thank you, people of God, for giving me a helping hand so that we have cover over our heads. We couldn’t have any better rescue than what ICC has rendered to us during this very emotionally drained situation.”

Chhattisgarh is one of 13 states in India that has an anti-conversion law in place. Recently, the BJP-led government amended the existing law, making it even more stringent and draconian. As a result, hundreds of Christian families have been forcibly evicted by right-wing mobs after refusing to participate in Ghar Wapsi, a “homecoming” reconversion ceremony to Hinduism.

“Faizal’s story is just one example among many,” an ICC staffer who helped Faizal’s family said. “His family’s suffering reflects the plight of countless others who continue to face violence, displacement, and intimidation simply for holding on to their faith. These families need prayers, encouragement, and support as they struggle to rebuild their lives in the face of relentless persecution.”

ICC continues to assist persecuted families throughout India, just like Faizal’s, helping them know they are not alone.

“I am deeply grateful to ICC for standing with us when we felt completely alone,” Faizal said. “Your kindness helped us find the courage to begin again and reminded us that even in the darkest moments, God has not abandoned us.”

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