Riots break out repeatedly in the Old City of Hyderabad (Charminar region) due to a predominant Islam region among a Hindu temple situated smack-dab in the middle of the Charminar.
War like stories have been shared since we arrived, but now I"ve seen for myself first hand what these riots are all about.
Last Friday I found myself in Charminar along with a fellow classmate on our way to a home-visit. We were shopping among the relatively calm shops which were allowed to open, following a string of riots the week prior. Then before we knew it another full riot broke out and this is what we could see.
People were running ramped looking for shelter and closing up their shops. Police took action with full force and Ashely and I were able to speak up for an innocent younger Muslim victim who was being beaten.
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| This photo credit: postnoon |
It all seemed to go south in a moment of time, so Ashley and myself grasped hands and prayed in the midst of the troubles. God reminded me then and there that He is able to place me into the presence of another missionary who will not act in fear (every time) and run from the troubled moment, but rather stop, seek the Lord and pray and believe for a work in the spiritual and physical realm encompassing us.
Many if not all Muslims nearby were helping protect us anyway they could. Again, God spoke and reminded me that if I am to live in a Muslim dominated society He is able to raise up locals to not only befriend me but to defend my rights and allow me to take refuge with the very ones I may live in fear of. God is able to make a way where there simply seems to be no other way. God opened a 'door' to speak of why we were not running the other direction, why we were at peace and why we trust in the One True living God. Why should I fear men, when Jesus has given peace in the midst of a troubled moment? My God is bigger, my God is stronger, My God is higher than any other. And where He goes, I will go. When he stops, I will stop.
GREATER IS HE that is IN ME than HE that is in the world. 1 John 4:4
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