By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
(Worthy News) - A young pastor in northern India wants to continue preaching and starting churches after he survived an attack in which Hindu militants killed his father.
In comments shared with Worthy News, Pastor Ramesh Bumbariya from India’s Rajasthan state
suggested that last month’s violence made him a stronger believer.
He referred to the May 18 assault when attackers, described as “militant Hindu nationalists,” shot dead Bumbariya’s 52-year-old father Bhima, Worthy News learned.
Three other family members were reportedly seriously injured after being beaten with a gun as well as swords and sickles.
Before shooting his father, the attackers attempted to shoot Pastor Bumbariya, but the gun apparently failed to fire. The pastor was then knocked to unconsciousness, confirmed Christians familiar with the situation.
The injured in the attack were reportedly transported to the area’s government hospital in Ugaipur or the “City of Lakes. But their entrance was refused due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in India, Worthy News monitored.
ANTI-CHRISTIAN SENTIMENTS
Though they eventually found help at a nearby private hospital, the difficulties underscored broader concerns about health care and anti-Christian sentiments in the Hindu nation.
“This is not the first time Pastor Ramesh has been attacked for his faith,” explained Voice Of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC), the advocacy group closely following his situation.
“Due to his work as a church planter, through which he started several house churches in different villages, he has experienced great persecution,” VOMC explained.
Yet the pastor said in a statement given to Worthy News that “God has a definite purpose in keeping me alive” after the weapon failed. “I will carry on the ministry God has given to me.”
While no group claimed responsibility for the clashes, there have been numerous attacks by Hindu hardliners in India targeting devoted Christians, including many former Hindus.
Christians urged prayers for the “physical recovery” of the pastor and others injured in the attack.