In this series, those involved with CLC foreign missions profile one aspect of our overseas endeavors.
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)
[Editor: The following is a report from the pastor who is the leader of the Church of the Lutheran Confession in India (CLCI). Names of people and places have been withheld because of the risk of persecution. The report is lightly edited for clarity.]
Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.Your prayers and support are of utmost importance for the spread of the Gospel through the CLCI here in India.
Escape from Death. India is a secular democracy by the written constitution, but not in actions. It is very challenging for Christians to do evangelism here in India.On April 8th,2025, I and my companionwereattackedby six masked men while returning from evangelizing in a village. The pastor with me saved my life but he was severely beaten by the attackers.Hismotorcycle was stolen, and the attackers warned us to stop evangelizing. We reported it to the police, but the masked attackers remain unidentified to this day.”They wanted to kill me,” my companion said about his attackers, “But God’s protection is greater.” This pastor suffered large wounds on his body, but by the grace of our Lord he was able to survive.
These persecutions against Christians here in India remind us that we are in the end times and we need to face these tribulations as quoted by our Savior Jesus in Matthew 24, “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.” (Matthew 24:9)Our Savior Jesus also told us, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)
Group picture with VBS volunteers
Also on March 19, Hindu extremists disrupted a CLCI preaching station, demanding a worship permit. Police instructed our CLCI pastor to stop leading the church. At a Sunday worship service in another CLCI church, the service was halted by a group of fifty people, who forced our pastor, church elders and the congregation to relocate to another place.
We are facing increased persecution in India, despite the government’s secular claims. There is little or no justice, due to biases within the predominantly Hindu-nationalist police force.We always remember the promise of Jesus in Matthew 5:10-12: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
CLCI pastor attacked by six masked men
The years 2024-25 taught us to be grateful to God for His abundant mercies and providence despite the severe opposition, attacks, and arrests.Pleasecontinue to pray for us that our faithful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will give us the necessary strength and courage to carry on with the work that serves Him and His kingdom here in India.
2025 Seminary Graduation. The CLCI Theological Seminary celebrated its graduation on June 12, 2025. We’re very pleased to inform you that God has led seventeen students all the three years to complete the seminary course successfully. These men are being honored this year with certificates.
As Seminary Principal, I encouraged all the graduates with a commencement address. Some of our CLCI leaders prayed for all the graduates by laying their hands on the heads of the graduates. I congratulated the graduates, and conveyed the best wishes and blessings on behalf of the CLC-USA.
Some of the graduates have shared their testimony that they learned more than they expected in the CLCI seminary, and that it was a unique chance for them to learn more about the Gospel truth and to proclaim the Word of God. Graduates expressed their special thanks to the seminary for its valuable training, and they took the opportunity to thank the honorable sponsors of the CLC for their kind support. Your fellowship is a special gift from the Lord. We thank and praise God for the wonderful assistance we have been receiving from the respected CLC Mission Board and Kinship Committee. Pray for God’s hand of blessing to rest upon these graduates and their ministry. James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (NKJV)
CLCI annual VBS program 2025.God’s grace has been sufficient in this VBS 2025. Our efforts have been well received by 1,750 children who participated in this five-day VBS. The Lord’s name was glorified. All glory, laud and honor to Him alone! On the final day of the VBS-2025 we distributed the certificates, prizes, and New Testaments to all who participated. Also, we have honored many VBS teachers and volunteers with “Best Teacher and Volunteers” awards.
VBS children enjoying their lunch
The children present various programs and participate in all the major events of the five-day annual VBS. All these VBS programs established a healthful environment for children to grow mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially; and gave a memorable and fruitful time for them during 2025 summer, a much-needed beneficial time for children which their parents desperately look forward to. We pray that His blessings may rest upon all the children that have been contacted through the humble and earnest endeavor of VBS-2025.
Bible story with puppet show
With all our heart we thank all the Sunday school children of CLC-USA who have been upholding this CLCI annual VBS program with their wonderful support and prayers. Your support has been building the CLCI children tomorrow as they have been well preparing for God’s kingdom. With these VBS programs they surely influence theirfamilies and communities.
Please pray that the Lord may use the CLCI to bring many Indians into His kingdom. Your prayer support will build the CLCI greatly here in India to do His mighty work.
