A pastor named Hira Singh has used notoriety from being persecuted to share the gospel with even more people. In 2000, Hira Singh, who was formerly from a high-caste Hindu background, came to faith in Christ in Himachal Pradesh. This region is a North Indian state known as Dev Bhoomi (Land of Gods) and a prominent Hindu pilgrimage destination. In the early years of his Christian faith, Hira faced opposition from his family and community. However, in October 2023, when the village council summoned him, he faced serious persecution. Some people at the meeting attempted to kill him, but God miraculously delivered him. Since then, Hira has faced repeated threats and false allegations but continues to lead the church and share the gospel in adjacent villages. Because of the persecution incidents in October 2023, Hira gained popularity in local print and electronic media. Since then, he has publicly preached to anyone he meets.

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A believer named Faraj has needed multiple surgeries after severe persecution. Faraj would carefully place Bibles on empty bus seats in Iran, praying people would find them, read them and come to know Jesus like he did. Eventually, Iranian authorities discovered his clandestine Bible distribution program and arrested him. His jailers tortured him, knocking out numerous teeth and breaking his back. When they stopped their abuse, Faraj fled to Turkiye, where the body of Christ helped provide for replacement teeth and two back surgeries. Faraj is scheduled for a third surgery and requests prayer for its success and for an end to his pain. He also requests prayer for dealing with the stress of being separated from his wife.

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Kitessa was a dedicated church leader murdered by armed militants, leaving behind his wife, Melke, and five children. Because of his passionate evangelism, Kitessa was warned he would be killed if he did not stop preaching the gospel. Still, he remained committed to sharing the gospel and leading a church in his community. On Aug. 25, 2024, Kitessa was returning home after preaching a Sunday service when armed militants opened fire on him. Kitessa’s wife, Melke, was within earshot of the gunfire and quickly tried to reach her husband by phone. When he didn’t answer, she ran toward the sound of the gunshots, finding her husband alive and lying on the roadside. He died before they were able to get medical assistance. Melke is now responsible for raising their five children on her own. The global body of Christ has helped provide for the family’s needs, and Melke requests prayer that her children will remain firm in their faith.

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