Restricted Nations: India

Restricted Nations

by The Voice of the Martyrs, Riley K. Smith

Restricted India tells the story of India’s Christians who face relentless persecution in this mostly Hindu nation. Those who leave Hinduism and its caste system are targeted. From the arrival of the apostle Thomas to today’s Hindu fanaticism, the blood shed in Jesus’ name tells a story that is full of God’s glory. Product Details The Voice of the Martyrs with Riley K. Smith Paperback 108 pp. Topic/ India About the Author(s) Riley K. Smith Riley K. Smith is a researcher and writer for Living Sacrifice Book Company.

Genres: Christian

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

The Voice of the Martyrs is a non-profit, inter-denominational Christian organization dedicated to assisting the persecuted church worldwide. VOM was founded in 1967 by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, who was imprisoned 14 years in Communist Romania for his faith in Christ. His wife, Sabina, was imprisoned for three years. In the 1960s, Richard, Sabina, and their son, Mihai, were ransomed out of Romania and came to the United States. Through their travels, the Wurmbrands spread the message of the atrocities that Christians face in restricted nations, while establishing a network of offices dedicated to assisting the persecuted church. The Voice of the Martyrs continues in this mission around the world today through the following main purposes:
Our ministry is based on Hebrews 13:3:
"Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body."

Reviews

[Jason Mccool · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good quick summary of the overall story of Christianity in India over the last 1,900+ years, with very sobering stories of individual martyrs over the centuries, and current believers being persecuted. It condensed down a long history and complex religious and political environment for the layman. Good for any Christian to read to learn of the persecutions of their brothers and "Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." (Hebrews 13:3)

[Victor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than "Restricted Nations: China", but as a book on martyrs it focuses alot more on those who died rather than those who lived.

[Ella あいみ M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's amazing the faith these people had. It challenges you. But unfortunately, these people have the wrong idea about God's will. They quoted many people talking about their family dying or something horrible happening to them and saying that it was God's will that this happened to them so they could have joy knowing that. But that's the thing. It's NOT God's will or plan for that to happen. God's such a good Father. He only ever plans good for us. He only ever wants to bless us, prosper us, heal us, make our lives full of joy. BUT, it's because we live in a fallen world that those things don't always happen. We live in a broken world; there are so many things that happen that are NOT God's will. Sure, He will work all things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. He will work out wrong situations and make things better than if they had never happened, BUT, that doesn't mean He planned for all these things to happen and sent them to us. No, those bad things are from Satan. All of the devil's works are to steal, kill, and destroy. God's works are to bring life.
So, my point is, I think it's wrong to say "oh, it's God's will that my husband was killed. This was His plan for my life. He wanted this to happen so that He will be glorified." And stuff like that. Because, God doesn't do those bad things. He's so amazing that He can use even those bad things for good, but He's not the one that causes them to happen. They're the consequences of sin in this world.

Now, I'm not trying to criticize them or take anything away from their sacrifice. Their sacrifice is huge. They gave and give so much. I can't imagine going through the things these people go through. I give them so much credit and respect them so much. I just don't want people to read this and think that God is awful for putting them through it, because He's not the one to instigate it. He didn't put them through all those horrible things, nor does He want them to go through them. He doesn't do evil.

Laying that aside, this book was a really great reminder to be diligent and solid in your faith. The faith these people showed in all their troubles, their perseverance and forgiveness, their determination to stay with Christ no matter what, it was all so amazing and awe-inspiring. I found a couple of grammatical errors, but that was it.

[Chris Driedger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Succinct history of Christianity in India through the early 21st century

Part of VOM’s Restricted Nations series, this book gives a condensed explanation of missionary work in India and some of the obstacles they needed to overcome. Although this work was published in 2009, its commentary on Hindutva and current persecution in India is still very much relevant. India today is one of the most difficult places for a Christian to live.

[Giana Romaso · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book has a lot of good information and history. But it was a little dry of a read and difficult to process some things.