Sullia, South Kanara (Karnataka): 18-10-2011 – Rev. Moses V. (47), is the pastor in charge of Bethsaida Assembly of God Church in Sullia, South Kanara District in Karnataka. He has been spreading the gospel message during the last 14 years and he has congregation of about 100 believers as members of his church. Pastor Moses lives with his wife Asha Latha (43) and two children, one boy and another girl. On Sunday, 16-10-11, one of his church members, a 67 year old lady, Soosamma Anthony, passed away and the burial was fixed for the next day, Monday, 17th Oct.

After the initial ceremony on Monday, Soosamma’s mortal remains were shifted to a close by place called Jayanagar, where the pastor had purchased 10 cents of land from one Babu with the clear understanding that the land would be used for the specific purpose of a burial ground. Just when they had completed the burial ceremony and interned the body, the local Panchayat President Prakash Hegde along with about 100 villagers came to the spot and forced them to exhume the body, take t away and bury it somewhere else. They also complained to the Sullia police, alleging that the Christians were illegally and forcibly burying a dead body in that place. The police arrived at the spot and took the pastor to the police station. In the mean while other believers shifted Soosamma’s body to her own land at a place called Ivara Nadu, and buried her there.
Pastor Moses was detained in the police station inquiring about the incident till late into the night and was sent home only after the GCIC intervened and spoke to the Inspector. However, again this morning, as we are given to understand, the police took him back to the police station for further inquiry about the incident. The GCIC is also in touch with the pastor as well as with the police. Please pray for Pastor Moses.