The missionaries, Yohan Samuel, Raj Lohra, Nanji Bir and Shobha Joshi, were arrested July 31 and charged with attempting to force people to convert to Christianity and with "offending the sentiments of the people." They are still under lockdown until the judge returns from vacation to approve their release.
After several days of negotiations, the judge issued the bail order on Tuesday; however, several unusual stipulations applied. The conditions were as follows:
- Post bail money
- Five local landowners with extensive holdings must sign off on their release
- A certified local government official must sign off on the release
Gospel for Asia leaders were able to meet the requirements, but the judge who granted the missionaries' bail, and who must sign off on the final release, is on vacation until at least August 8.
"We are so happy that God protected us. We are rejoicing here with the Lord. But, pray for our bodies, because we were beaten quite badly. Please pray that we would receive healing," one of the missionaries told the GFA leaders who visited them.
The missionaries, three of whom are Bible college students doing their internship, were having a prayer meeting in Yohan's residence at about 9 p.m. on July 31. During the meeting, a mob estimated to be 700 people showed up and began harassing them. The missionaries were brutally beaten before being thrown in jail.
The missionaries request prayer that the judge will return on August 8 and grant their bail. They also ask for prayer for physical healing from the wounds they received when they were beaten. They will not be able to obtain medical treatment until they are released.
Source: Gospel For Asia