State propaganda and harsh anti-conversion laws create fear among believers, or those considering following Jesus. The believers in India that Musselman has talked to say they will not deny Jesus, but it has become very, very difficult to help their families.

“We’re involved with the theology of persecution and discipleship, and teaching these pastors. They already understand persecution, but it gives them a greater understanding of the challenges that you’re going to face for following Jesus,” Musselman says.

The discrimination is often the worst in small villages, where believing in Jesus can mean a complete ban from society, whether that is by exclusion from the communal water well, being forced to walk through different fields, or social rejection.

“I’ve seen it, not only in India, but in Nigeria and other places, where people that are your neighbors and have been your friends turn on you, especially if you have left either the tribal religion or Hinduism to follow Jesus,” Musselman says.

“Now you’re ostracized, you’re marginalized, and unless your faith is rooted strong, it’s very tempting, and it does happen, where people do leave their relationship with Jesus.”

Yet he has seen God bring many lost people back to Himself, and despite everything, pastors are going door-to-door with the Good News and preaching against hating your enemies.

“When I talk to these believers, the reason they get into trouble and imprisoned and ostracized from family is because their desire is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Musselman says.

Pray that believers in India would receive godly wisdom and refuse to compromise against pressure. Despite how difficult it is, pray that they would not let hate enter their hearts at their persecutors but that they would continue to lovingly share the Gospel.

Since Prime Minister Modi's BJP party took power in West Bengal two months ago, violence against Christians has spiralled

In the past few weeks

• A Christian widow had her home attacked by a Hindu mob who demanded that she convert and donate her property to local Hindu temple

• Prayer meetings were disrupted, with Bibles seized

• A church was completely vandalised, with the altar desecrated and building covered in graffiti

The European Union continues to turn a blind eye to the persecution of Christians under Modi, in fact they have actually increased cooperation with him for supposed economic benefit