A missionary from the Gospel for Asia Fellowship has been released after spending eight years in prison on false terrorism charges. Pastor Samuel was released in mid-March, but his release was only announced recently. The pastor was arrested in 2004 in the Indian state of Jharkhand for taking part in a Naxalite (Maoist) riot in which 19 policemen were killed. Although he has always maintained that he had nothing to do with it, he was imprisoned for eight years due to numerous delays in case processing. Pastor Samuel tirelessly continued his fight to be exonerated and spent his time in prison preaching the word of God.
"I was very happy to receive the call that Pastor Samuel had been released from prison," said K. P. Yohannan, founder and chairman of Gospel for Asia, a Protestant organization operating in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and Nepal.
"Jesus said we shouldn't be surprised to face persecution when we follow him," he explained. But, "I am so relieved that our prayers have been answered. Our brother has been faithful to his calling and is now free again."
Samuel's time in prison was extended for years because there were constant delays in appeals and hearings so he couldn't get home to his wife. But during those eight years, he gained the trust of the prison guards and was allowed to hold prayer meetings on Sundays and Fridays. Many in the prison came to faith in Christ.
As early as August 2010, an Indian court ruled that all charges against him should be dropped due to lack of evidence of complicity or links to the rebels. But the final hearing required for his release was not scheduled until March this year.
"I was very depressed because of this situation, but the Lord helped me to realize that He had a special plan for me in prison," said Pastor Samuel. "The Lord helped me to share the love of Christ with the prisoners. Through my ministry, I could see the change that happened in their lives."
During his time in prison, approximately 20 prisoners converted to Christianity. "Because Brother Samuel remained faithful despite persecution, there are many in the prison who would never have heard of Jesus' love who now joyfully praise His name," said the founder of Gospel for Asia.
Source AsiaNews
