Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11
Ravi Murmu (2010)
Evangelist Murdered
“The peace of God still reigns in this house and in this family.” This was the calm response of Ravi’s brother when asked how the family was coping with his murder.
Ravi, a Christian evangelist from Jamalpur, Bihar State, India, was killed on 2 May 2010 after showing the “Jesus Film” in nearby Laxmanpur. He was working as part of a team of evangelists and either stayed behind to fix the generator at the end of the film or became separated from the others on the way back. When he did not return home that night, a search was organised; his body was found with his right hand severed and deep cuts on his neck and other parts of his body. Ravi’s personal belongings, including his watch, mobile phone and motorbike, were found with the body, so it was clear that that robbery was not the motive for the attack. Ravi was married with an eight-year-old daughter.
O God, mighty to save, infinite in compassion towards the nations that know thee not, and the tongues which cannot speak thy name: We humbly thank thee that thou hast made the Church of thy dear Son the chariot of the gospel, to tell it out among the nations that thou art king, and to bear thy love unto the world’s end; and for all thy servants who counted not their lives dear unto them on this employment, and for all peoples newly praising thee, we praise and bless thee, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one Lord and God for ever and ever.
Parish Prayers (no. 754)