"India is no longer safe from terrorist attacks," declared Gospel for Asia founder and President KP Yohannan in the wake of two deadly bomb blasts in one of the nation's largest cities over the weekend.
"The frequency of terrorist attacks and the presence of terrorists is increasing in India, a nation historically known for peace and harmony between all religions."
Dr Yohannan made the comments following news of two deadly bomb blasts, minutes apart, in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad on Saturday. One explosion was at an open-air amusement park, while the other devastated a popular restaurant. At least 40 people were killed and nearly 100 were injured.
Investigators have stated in their preliminary assessment that terrorist groups based out of Bangladesh and Pakistan are suspected, but so far no one has claimed responsibility. Hyderabad has a large Muslim population and heritage dating back approximately 400 years. In May, at least 14 people were killed in an explosion outside the city's Mecca Masjid, one of India's most famous mosques.
Police discovered 16 other unexploded devices in Hyderabad, including one in a movie theatre, which has prompted the closing of theatres throughout the city.
"The entire city is paralysed, and all the roads are blocked," Dr Yohannan reported. A number of Christian ministries are based in Hyderabad. One of GFA's main Bible colleges is located nearby, as well as its regional administrative headquarters.
While Dr Yohannan admits that while this tragedy makes it more complicated for GFA missionaries and pastors to do their work in the area, it is also an opportunity to share the love of Christ with those affected.
"We have to look at this from God's perspective," he explained. "We all belong to God-India belongs to God. The enemy of mankind is seeking to destroy people's lives; we must be agents of peace and Christ's compassion."
He and other GFA leaders are asking the body of Christ around the world to pray for this situation.
"Pray for the Muslim community in India, a significant percentage of our population, that they will experience God's mercy and love. Pray that extremist groups like the Taliban will not have an influence in India," he said.
"Pray also that we as the body of Christ will be His true representatives during this time. We want to be peacemakers and help in whatever way we can."
