Small beginnings of Sakshi in Orissa
The primary vision of Sakshi: An Apologetics Network in India is to equip the body of Christ in defending the Gospel of Jesus along with answering the critics of the Gospel of Jesus in India.
We have been doing that with the Islamic critics of the Gospel of Jesus who are based in India. We have started that with the Hinduvatta critics of the Gospel of Jesus especially after the inhuman persecution by the Manuvadi’s.
We have extended the invitation to www.christianaggression.org and www.crusadewatch.org for a debate on the topic “Is Exclusivity of Faith Wrong?” While the administrators of Christian Aggression did not respond, Crusade Watch responded by saying that they have not heard of us and they will not dispute on theological subjects. We had to point out the Crusade Watch that our speakers are widely accepted in all the major denominations of Christianity, had conducted open forums in prestigious universities, and had done interreligious dialogs too. In fact as we know Crusade Watch has only published reprinted articles from other websites (even most of our articles are original). Crusade Watch also went silent after that. While we continue to do the deeply spiritual battle of minds we are reminded of the words of Apostles James, John and Peter to Apostle Paul ‘remember the poor’ (Galatians 2:10). God willing we intend to remember that always.
Further, one of the most often quoted verses for apologetics is said in the context of persecution- “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:14-15).
We also read in the Holy Scripture that there is yet another commandment in the context of persecution- “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them– those who are mistreated- since yourselves are in the body also” Hebrews 13:3
As part of obeying the Holy Scripture, our brother from West Bengal Pastor Anup visited some of the persecuted places in Orissa and conducted a relief program for our persecuted brothers and sisters. Photos are given below.
God willing we intend to support 20 families for one month in Orissa.
Remember us also in your prayers “for though we walk in flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, brining every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” ( 2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
