Suffering Yet Clinging to Jesus

Shikhar’s world turned upside down when his father, a Pastor, and his mother, a Preacher, were arrested and thrown behind bars—accused of religious conversion. Their only ‘crime’ was sharing the love of Jesus.

The family from, Uttar Pradesh, had already endured two years of Persecution. But this time, it was worse. Shikhar’s father, already battling severe tuberculosis, heart blockages, prostate issues, and near blindness, was locked away in a jail cell. His mother, too, was imprisoned, leaving Shikhar and his two married sisters devastated and afraid.

It all started when Shikhar’s father, too ill to hold in-person services, had been conducting online prayer meetings. On the previous Sunday service, he announced a special gathering on the next Sunday, to administer Holy Communion. The plan was to meet with a small group of 10-14 people.

But that day, more people arrived. The gathering grew to about 30-35 individuals.

Among them was a 17-year-old boy who had secretly placed his phone in his front pocket, recording the entire service.

As the worship progressed, the young man quietly left but moments later, he returned—this time, with a mob. Accusations flew. Chaos erupted. Shikhar’s sister, who was leading the worship, was suddenly surrounded. Their father and she were dragged to the local police station.

Neighbours advised their mother to go to the station and beg for forgiveness—thinking it might get them released. But that was never an option for the family. Instead, she, too, was detained. Three other believers who had accompanied them refused to leave, standing in solidarity. That night, his mother and another woman believer were transferred to the women’s police station.

When their case was brought before the district and sessions court, bail was denied. Hope lay in the Honourable Allahabad High Court.

The family made the journey to Allahabad. But the battle was far from over. Their lawyer demanded huge amount for the bail of all five prisoners. Desperate, Shikhar and his sisters somehow arranged the amount, only to later realize they had been deceived.

Their case was being deliberately delayed, manipulated, and suppressed. Every time their case number was called, another case was given priority. Suspicion grew about their lawyer’s integrity, and they finally replaced him with someone they could trust.

Alone and terrified, Shikhar and his sisters clung to their faith. But their fears were real. Strangers loitered near their home, taking videos. Pastors who came to offer support were photographed. The silent threats were endless.

In these dark days, they turned to Scripture. They found comfort in verses about persecution and the promise that those who suffer for Christ will sit at His right hand, Revelation 3:21 – “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.”

They reminded themselves that this, too, was part of God’s plan. As it says in 1 Peter 4:16 – “However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”

Inside the jail, their parents were struggling. The conditions were unbearable. Shikhar’s ailing father was sleeping on the floor. Yet, even in this suffering, their faith did not waver. Instead, they shared it. His father and mother spoke of Christ to fellow inmates. His mother’s kindness earned her the respect of the women around her, and she was spared from much of the hard labour.

Through the grace of God they were able to find a new lawyer who helped his parents to come out of prison in a short time. After spending more than 5 months in prison, it was a joy for the whole family to be together once again.

Shikhar said I am always thankful and obliged for the Persecution Relief Family. Really like a family they stood with me and my sisters. They were praying on every case hearing and whatever I asked they provided me with that.

They can burn our bibles, but they can’t extinguish our faith. Bro Shibu Thomas, Founder- Persecution Relief.