That's been the case for Roshan Kuma, a missionary supported by Gospel for Asia,and his brother-in-law, M.T. Joshri. They were arrested March 10, 2010 and have been behind bars under charges of working with the Maoists, an anti-government terrorist group.
The good news is that Kuma is now free, released on August 10 after a trial earlier this month found him innocent of the charges brought against him.
While Kuma was in prison, he refused to give up his calling to share the Gospel. He told his fellow prisoners about the love of Jesus, and many chose to follow Christ. He also started a prayer meeting in the jail.
At the time of his arrest, Kuma pastored a church with about 100 members. Some in his village believe the accusations against the missionary pastor originated with anti-Christian extremists unhappy with the growth of the church.
"In spite of spending more than a year of suffering in prison, Pastor Roshan's vision for serving Jesus never dimmed. He still has an unquenchable thirst and passion for the ministry," said Dr. K.P. Yohannan, Gospel for Asia president and founder. "He continues to serve in the same area where there's a lot of Maoist activity, which causes many people to live in fear. Yet he has a successful and wonderful ministry in this small village."
The believers in Roshan's village continually prayed for their pastor while he was in prison. The amazing part was that while the pastor was behind bars, the church grew and now has about 125 people attending worship each week. The congregation is in the midst of constructing a new church building, which they plan to dedicate this fall.
"Please pray for Pastor Roshan, that God would continue to use him mightily for the Kingdom," K.P. asked. "Praise the Lord for using Pastor Roshan in prison and for the inmates who chose to follow Jesus. Pray that they will stand firm in their faith--even while they are in prison."
Also keep praying for Kuma's brother, M.T. Joshri. There has been no new word on his case.
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