Pastor, son attacked in Andhra Pradesh

Pray for the full recovery of a pastor
and his son who were attacked
in India.

VOM-partner Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) is reporting that a pastor and his son were attacked in Andhra Pradesh.

On the evening of April 3, Narender Goud went to the house of Pastor Joseph Manda and attacked him with a stick. Pastor Joseph sustained serious injuries to his shoulder and legs. His son, Sunny, who is physically challenged, came to his father’s aid and was also attacked. Sunny sustained serious damage to his ears.

The assailant also abused and manhandled the pastor’s wife and daughter, reported GCIC.

Pastor Joseph’s brother informed police of the incident, and officers from the Maaklore Police Station arrived at the home. Pastor Joseph and Sunny were taken to a hospital.

Police later picked up Goud and charged him with attempted murder. He was released on bail the next day.

Pastor Joseph is the pastor of Indian Pentecostal Church in Borgoam village, which was built about three years ago. The church has about 40 believers.

The church was built on land donated by Goud. According to GCIC, Goud now wants the property back as its value has risen sharply in the last few years. Though Goud’s wife attends Pastor Joseph’s church, he is not a member.

Pastor Joseph and his son were discharged after four days in the hospital.