a contextual missiology of the spirit - eTheses Repository ...

for students who study at FBC along with their theological degree BTh and
MDiv. 137
Thirdly, there is a progressive change in the Pentecostal attitude towards
persecution in Rajasthan. Persecution has played an important role in the
development of Pentecostalism in diverse ways. It had a catalytic effect.
Persecution stories acted as Pentecostal inspiration for mission from the early
period of the movement, and a great source of motivation for many Pentecostals
to commit their life to mission in Rajasthan. For example, as mentioned earlier,
Thomas Mathews dedicated his life to missionary service in Rajasthan when he
was inspired by the persecution story from Philip that he and his team were beaten
badly by Hindu religious militants at Nadhwara, during their trip to Rajasthan, but
were protected by an angel of God. 138 Another example is the story of T.S. David,
another south Indian, who was a graduate of Hindustan Bible Institute (HBI),
Chennai who was encouraged to go as a missionary to Rajasthan after hearing the
martyrdom story of Durai Raj from Tamil Nadu, another graduate from the
HBI. 139 Raj came to Alwar, Rajasthan as a missionary, but was reported as
missing one day after he went for morning meditation as usual in the nearby
forest. He is believed to have been killed by religious fanatics as he was being
threatened by them. 140
137 It is interesting to mention here that when I expressed my desire to do an MA along with my
MDiv, I was discouraged by the leaders, who questioned the use of an MA for ministry.
138 Thonnakkal, Marubhoomiyile Aposthalan, 16-17, 38-40.
139 T.S. David, interview by author, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 10 May 2006.
140 K. V. Pillai, India’s Search for the Unknown Christ (Noida, India: Harvest Mission
Publications, 1978), viii.
154