Pastor Sagar Baizu, the spokesperson and co-general secretary of the Federation of National Christians in Nepal, was attacked while sipping a coffee between meetings earlier this summer.
Pastor Baizu was blindsided in a cafe when six to eight men suddenly attacked him from behind. They beat him and fled, telling the Christian leader they would “blast your church” and “shoot you and all your leaders,” reported ChristianHeadlines.com.
Instances like this are becoming far too common in countries where Christianity is viewed as a threat to the national religion, says The Tide® (thetide.org) global radio ministry.
The Tide ministry has been broadcasting gospel programming in Nepal since 2004, beginning with a weekly program reaching a potential of 19 million people who speak the Nepali language called “Prasasta Jivan,” which means “Abundant Life” in English. Then in 2013, The Tide ministry began offering a program in the Tharu language to help make disciples and plant churches among this people group.
The pastor’s attack is an indication that violence against Christians in Nepal is growing, and the new anti-religious conversion law that is now in effect in Nepal contributes to the problem.
“Our partners in Nepal face the potential of threats nearly every day, and we pray for their safety as they record gospel radio programming in the Nepali and Tharu language in Nepal,” said The Tide Director Don Shenk. “Hinduism is the prevalent religion in Nepal, and just a small fraction of this populous nation is Christian. We pray that the gospel radio programming these Christians hear through The Tide ministry will provide the uplifting hope they need to stay true to their beliefs in Christ.”
The attacked pastor in Nepal has headed Anugrah Vijay Church (Grace Victory Church) in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu District, for 23 years. He is working with police on the case and now leaves his home with security detail.
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