Be Bold & Brave

In the quiet lanes of Thane district, Maharashtra, where life usually unfolds at its own slow pace, a father and son have been faithfully walking a very different path, marked by prayer, sacrifice, and courage.

Pastor Yakub and his son Isaac have served their local church community for over twenty years. What began as a small fellowship of believers has grown into a close-knit family of faith. They’ve visited homes, prayed with the sick, counseled the hurting, and preached the Gospel.

But recently, things have changed.

Tensions have been rising, and their church, has become a target. False accusations are being thrown around, allegations of forced conversions, malicious rumors, but Pastor Yakub and Isaac have chosen not to back down.

Their challenges became more personal when a church member, Shambhunath, was attacked by local agitators. Hoping to get legal help, Isaac and Pastor Yakub asked for help, But instead of justice, they were met with the response: “Try to reconcile.” In other words, stay quiet.

But they couldn’t let it go.

Shortly after, Isaac became the next target. A local leader, well known for his influence and his dislike for the Christian community, accused him of religious conversion. That evening, a mob gathered at the police station. They shouted baseless allegations, trying to create a case out of thin air. In the middle of the night, another person brought a young girl with a false accusation against him. The police didn’t file a case, but they pressured Isaac into giving a written statement. It was a clear warning: even when you’re innocent, the system can still be turned against you.

Ramagya Prasad, a long-standing church member, had spoken up in Isaac’s defense. He thought it was the right thing to do. Months later, he paid a heavy price. One night, his home was broken into. He, his wife, and their four children were beaten by men seeking revenge. Their household was turned upside down. Belongings were damaged, but what hurt more was the fear left behind.

In the middle of all this pain, something beautiful happened.

Help came.

Persecution Relief Family stepped in, quietly. They visited Ramagya’s family, assessed their needs, and provided immediate assistance. Their support brought not only material help, but emotional strength to a family that felt isolated and overwhelmed. It was a reminder that the Body of Christ is not bound by geography.

But the threats haven’t stopped.

Just days ago, another young man approached Isaac near his home with more verbal abuse and intimidation. It would be easy to give in, to close the church doors, to go silent.

But they haven’t.

The church still gathers. Songs still rise from their small worship hall. People still pray. They still believe. Their faith may be under fire, but it hasn’t faded. In fact, it seems to shine brighter through the struggle.

The fire may rage, but the faith of God’s people burns brighter. Persecution is constant on the chosen one. Bro Shibu Thomas, Founder, Persecution Relief