Persecution Relief Family is deeply grateful to the Lord for granting us the honor of serving His Body—the Church—especially the Persecuted Church. Not a single day passes without an opportunity to minister to saints who are suffering for their unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. It fills our hearts with joy and strengthens our resolve.

One such powerful testimony comes from Pastor Srikanta Saren, a 30-year-old unmarried youth from Purba Bardhaman district in West Bengal. Pastor Srikanta is the only one in his family who knows the Lord. After encountering the peace and joy that comes through Jesus Christ, he felt compelled not to keep this treasure to himself but to share it with others in his village. As a result, a few families began gathering in a home to pray and worship together.

However, this blossoming faith community soon met with hostility—starting from Pastor Srikanta’s own brother and sister-in-law, who led a violent opposition against him. Eventually, the entire village joined in. Pastor Srikanta and the believers were given a cruel ultimatum: either forsake Christ and remain in the village, or leave everything behind and follow Jesus.

Choosing faith over comfort, the believers stood firm. As a result, they were mercilessly beaten—many sustaining serious injuries and being hospitalized. Threats continued, warning them that if prayer meetings resumed, worse would follow.

Twelve families were eventually excommunicated from the village. While some found refuge with relatives, Pastor Srikanta now shelters seven families at a temporary location, uncertain of the future—but unwavering in faith. As he puts it, “We have decided to follow Jesus—no turning back.”

When Pastor Srikanta ran out of groceries to feed the families under his care, he reached out to Persecution Relief. By God’s grace, we were able to respond immediately and provide the necessary support.

Despite threats and exile, Pastor Srikanta continues to serve faithfully. He joins the Persecution Relief Sunday worship with the persecuted saints, encouraging them with the Word and standing as a true shepherd. As he boldly said, “I am not a coward who would abandon my sheep for my safety. If David could fight for his sheep, how much more should I protect the flock of the Chief Shepherd—Jesus Christ.”

We praise God:

For Pastor Srikanta Saren, a brave young shepherd who stands firm in faith, leading his flock amid hostility.

For the believers who remain joyful and steadfast, despite facing persecution just a year into their faith journey.

That Pastor Srikanta teaches and disciples them daily, equipping them spiritually to endure trials.

We had been praying for the village to accept Pastor Srikanta and the excommunicated families back. And by God’s grace, we received the joyful news from Pastor Srikanta himself that the police have now escorted them back to their village. We give all glory to God for answering these prayers and making a way where there seemed to be none.

Hebrews 13:3 — “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”

Join Us in Prayer Every Sunday

Persecution Relief invites all Christians to join us
every Sunday at 6 PM [IST] to pray for the persecuted and to hear powerful testimonies of faith in Jesus Christ during trials, imprisonment, and persecution.

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/2601950943?pwd=OUZsNllBcDRXNFFtd09QUlVpd2R4UT09
Zoom ID: 260 195 0943
Passcode: PR

Date: Every Sunday
Time: 6 PM [India Standard Time]