Pastor Withstands Opposition

[JM]

GFA missionary Kavi Shyam refuses to back down from his ministry in Maharashtra, India. Every week, despite heavy persecution and death threats, Pastor Kavi sets out on a 4.5 mile trek to lead a worship service in a village. Many believers who attend this service came to know Christ after Pastor Kavi's prayers freed them from demon possession.

The Lord continues to free others through Pastor Kavi's prayers as well. During a recent service, demons that were present in some of the families started crying out when the believers began singing. Pastor Kavi immediately prayed for the families and the demons left.

The local witchdoctors were angry about this incident, because they felt it would become a threat to their income. So they tried to kill Pastor Kavi, but did not succeed. Despite this persecution, Pastor Kavi remained steadfast in his commitment.


GFA missionary Kavi Shyam holds worship services, similar to the one pictured, amidst death threats and violence from persecutors.

In another instance, some anti-Christian villagers physically attacked the pastor after he refused to leave. Seeing that their plans were not working, they turned their attention toward the believers. During one of the attacks, the anti-Christian group was surprised when the believers plainly asked them why they should not be allowed to worship God. The anti-Christians said Pastor Kavi and the church were creating problems and ruining people's lives. Pastor Kavi simply pointed out that the Gospel he preache d had been blessing the villager's lives, rather than causing them harm.


As the believers boldly defended the Gospel, the anti-Christian group retreated. But on their way out they threatened to kill some of the believers. The believers thought it would be wise if Pastor Kavi stopped having worship services until things settled down. Once again, Pastor Kavi refused to give in to fear and continued to minister to the believers.

The anti-Christian group is still threatening to attack the church, so police are monitoring the services. Pastor Kavi trusts that God's protection will remain on him and the church.