08/14/2019 Washington D.C. (International Christian Concern) – In July, International Christian Concern (ICC) recorded six attacks on Christians in just one state in India. The attacks recorded included beatings, threats, vandalism, and the disruption of worship services. This swell of violence and intolerance has many Christians living in India’s Telangana State concerned both for their safety and their ability to practice their Christian faith openly.

“We have been living in fear and terror for nearly two weeks now,” K. Sandeep, a 21-year-old Christian and survivor of a recent attack, told ICC.

In late July, Sandeep and his family were brutally attacked by Hindu radicals because of Sandeep’s involvement in the conversion of K. Narender, an upper-caste Hindu. “I was told by Narender’s brother that he would kill me for converting his brother,” Sandeep told ICC. “The next day the villagers took me and my family to the village court and beat us. They beat my mother, sister, and brother for influencing Narender into becoming a Christian.”

As an active member of New Life Blessing Gospel Church in Siriampur village, located approximately 160 miles north of Hyderabad, Sandeep accompanied his pastor on church outreach programs. Six months ago, during one of these programs, Sandeep shared the Gospel with Narender, who was immediately convicted and decided to give his life to Christ. Since then, Narender has been attending worship at New Life Blessing Gospel Church.

After the attack on Sandeep and his family, the village chief forced Sandeep to sign his signature on a blank piece of paper. Unsure what the blank paper was going to be used for, he still signed it.

While speaking with ICC, Sandeep explained that when he committed his life to God, he was ready to face anything for Jesus. He even anticipated hardship. However, this recent attack has made him extremely fearful for his family. He explained that he hated to draw his family into this painful experience.