Sunday “It’s the Lord’s Day

Sunday is a day of worship for Christian believers across the world. It is the Lord’s Day—Jesus Christ was resurrected on a Sunday, and to celebrate His resurrection, Christians gather for worship. Sunday is also observed as a day of rest. According to Old Testament tradition, believers are to abstain from all labor except that which is necessary for the welfare of their family and society.

In Acts 20:7, Paul says, “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread.”

This highlights the early Church’s practice of gathering for fellowship and communion.

Christians gather for a time of fellowship with the Lord, as written in Matthew 18:20, where Jesus states, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I among them.” Believers come together to pray, worship the Lord, intercede for one another, break bread in remembrance of Christ, and receive a message from the Bible that encourages and uplifts them to live a righteous life.

In recent years, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, there has been a disturbing pattern of systematic attacks on Sunday worship services.

Mobs often barge into peaceful gatherings, accusing the pastors and believers of forced conversions. Police follow these mobs, and many pastors—as well as believers—are arrested and booked under stringent anti-conversion laws. These legal actions bring with them a heavy burden: arrest, jail time, family separation, prolonged court cases, bail formalities, and significant financial strain. In some cases, pastors are forced to sell ancestral land or take loans at high interest rates, plunging their families into deep hardship and emotional distress.

Pastor Rajesh was leading a Sunday service when a group of political leaders affiliated with an anti-Christian group accused him and others of conversion activities. They were later booked under the Anti-Conversion Law and are currently in jail. Local leaders informed us about the dire situation of Pastor Rajesh’s wife, Neelam, and their three children, who are struggling to meet their daily needs. This is just one example.

Recently, Persecution Relief leaders met more than 20 pastors in Uttar Pradesh who had been imprisoned. All shared similar stories of financial hardship and closed churches.

Persecution Relief has been doing its best to provide assistance to these affected families.

The challenges don’t end with bail. In fact, the real struggle often begins afterward. When believers return home, they often find their churches closed, no steady income, and limited work experience. Added to that are ongoing court hearings, children’s education needs, spiritual responsibilities toward fellow believers, and social resistance in their communities.

The prayers of believers can bring immense relief and strength to these persecuted saints. Please don’t let a single day pass without praying for them. Spread the word and encourage others to join in prayer.

Let us unite in prayer and lift up these persecuted brothers and sisters, that they may be strengthened and continue to run their race with endurance.

Jesus has called us for the Baptism of suffering, not to turn your back to suffering. Shibu Thomas, Founder, Persecution Relief