So you have been called to lead God’s flock, and have found it to be a challenge. There are sermons to prepare, the walk of faith when the offering box turns up less than expected to keep the church running, all the while juggling your schedule to include weddings, baptisms and funerals without getting in the way of your personal and family life. All of that in a “normal” environment -- what if you were thrown into the deep end, where society itself is hostile to Christianity? It is a sad day indeed when a Christian pastor in India was allegedly beaten to death in the east Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh state. This heinous act was performed not by an individual or a small group, but cowardice exhibited by hundreds of Maoist rebels who mistook him for a police informer.

According to Fides News Agency, Pastor Yohan Maraiah breathed his last on July 29 by Maoists. The Maoists left a note behind at the murder scene, claiming that he is "a police informer" and "accumulating disproportionate wealth exploiting Tribals."