Christian Elephants

My brother informed me of this incident this evening, so I googled 'Christian Elephants' and found this report. Read and be inspired!

ginnyrose

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September 2009 - INDIA - "CHRISTIAN" ELEPHANTS ATTACK PERSECUTORS

In 2008, a severe persecution of Christians broke out in the Indian state of Orissa. The end result saw more than 500 Christians murdered, and thousands of others injured and homeless after their houses were reduced to ashes. (See our Latest News releases about Orissa in this file and in the 2008 archive for more information). As a result, Asia Harvest responded and helped the persecuted believers, including building homes for many families. Recently, a strange and dramatic event took place in Orissa, which has many people talking and wondering.

The Restoration India Mission has reported that in recent months, herds of wild elephants have begun to storm villages that are home to some of the worst persecutors of Christians during the troubles. In one village where in August a year ago the Christians had to run for their lives while their homes were being destroyed by rioters, a herd of elephants emerged from the surrounding jungle, RIM reports, "Exactly one year later, at the same time of the day, the persecutors are now running for their lives, from nothing less than a herd of wild elephants! These elephants first attacked a rock crusher machine owned by a key leader of the persecution movement. They then went on to destroy his house and farms. Gaining momentum, they rampaged through other non-Christian homes demolishing gardens and singling out the homes of persecutors, leaving Christian homes untouched. People ran to the police station to report the disastrous news. In one case, a police jeep that attempted to drive away the herd was attacked and the occupants barely escaped. Truly, God is the avenger of the helpless.

These strange attacks have spread, and according to a report by Kusanath Pradhan, the elephants have already destroyed more than 700 houses in 30 villages, and killed five people. Nobody in this area has seen or even imagined the unique appearance of a herd of wild elephants such as this. The elephants are not ordinary elephants; they appear to be on a mission. Typically, smaller elephants enter a village first, appearing to survey the community. They then rejoin the larger herd, and larger elephants soon follow and get the job done. "Just what is their job?" you might ask.

RIM states, "We think that it might have something to do with avenging the blood of martyrs. In fact, the fear of God has fallen on the local people, who have labeled these elephants, "Christian elephants."

“Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Romans 12:19 Source: Restoration India Mission.

I was told one of the Elephants had reconnaissance training.

Tongue in cheek or for real?

I could not find any other explanation for these elephants' behaviour that goes beyond the ones listed in this article.

ginnyrose

The Lord lives! Nothing is impossible with God.

Oh come on Ginny, I was laughing my head off when I wrote that. I couldn't resist it!

OK. I understand...just was not sure...

Actually, I am afraid some spoil sport will come along and say it ain't true. But this info is posted on reputable websites.

Brother, I do not want to be irreverent, but when I heard this I had to chuckle! I thought God had a sense of humor! Makes me think of the time Samson caught some foxes and tied torches to their tails and let them lose in some grain fields...funny and tragic all at the same time...

ginnyrose

it is true. some of our brothers went on a missionary work to orissa couple of months back and it was narrated to them by the victims there. there was an added incident also where one christian lady who was affected in persecution stood in the way of the elephant to stop these attacks on the people(she loved the enemies even though they persecuted). but the elephant lifted her from the way, kept her at a distance and the other elephants continued with their mission. these are true events and i am from India.

but the elephant lifted her from the way, kept her at a distance and the other elephants continued with their mission. these are true events and i am from India.

Awesome!

After discussing this incident with my brother we got to asking a few questions: You reckon these elephants were angels disguised as elephants? And what happened to this herd after they were done with their task? Did they just go out to the countryside and disappear? If not, this herd must still be in the vicinity...

This story well illustrates the power of God in avenging his enemies which is so far superior to man's methods. Man's methods look puny in comparison..

We serve a great God...

Thanks for sharing SVShanker.

ginnyrose

That's pretty amazing..thanks for posting this ginnyrose

Is anyone else reading it that way?

I am.

According to this news report from Hindu Newspaper:
"In recent past the herd of elephants had also damaged villages like Rudabali and Latadi.

But at the Latadi village the elephant herd had saved the life of an aged woman, Sapari Pradhan. They had taken the unconscious woman to her home and tried to keep her alive till the villagers and forest officials came to the Latadi village."

The elephants damaged some and saved the life of another. Amazing. My heart is filled with so much wonder. God knows how to avenge His name and evoke praise for Himself all at the same time. WOW! Beats anything man can do - ever!

I would suppose the secular media or the Hindu media would never note how discriminating these elephants were. It would be interesting if they would make that connection. On the one hand it could make people so dreadfully angry at the Christians and on the other it could evoke reverence for God. In any case God demonstrated his power in a fascinating way. I love it!

SVShanker, could you give us more details about how this incident is effecting the Christian witness in India?

Blessings,
ginnyrose

After the persecution, the christian families are staying in tents outside the village near to the forest. there is no protection for them. last month a hindu militant try to blow up the tents and he himself was killed before planting the bomb. God is doing awesome works. after the work of the elephants, now the hindus are staying in the camps outside the village.there are protection from the police for the hindus but not for christians - thats why i believe God sent his own protection. Hindu militants gave notice to God's children - if they want to come back to the village they have to renounce their faith (which our brothers and sisters refused and still staying in the forest). God is supplying their needs in the jungle (like ravens fed elijah)and protecting them with elephants guarading the place. these elephants come and they dont hurt the christians (awesome God). This is truly our God. People are terrified of this incident but much more than that these simple people (our brothers and sisters) are getting stronger in the faith. Praise God.

As I understand, the Hindus treat Elephants as holy animals so they would be reluctant to cause harm to them.

My heart is so filled with worship and awe - it is so absolutely wonderful, so wonderful I can hardly stand it! I am almost speechless...I will quit before I distract from what SVShankar has shared.

Thanks so much for sharing SVShankar.

ginnyrose

SVShankar wrote:
After the persecution, the christian families are staying in tents outside the village near to the forest. there is no protection for them. last month a hindu militant try to blow up the tents and he himself was killed before planting the bomb. God is doing awesome works. after the work of the elephants, now the hindus are staying in the camps outside the village.there are protection from the police for the hindus but not for christians - thats why i believe God sent his own protection. Hindu militants gave notice to God's children - if they want to come back to the village they have to renounce their faith (which our brothers and sisters refused and still staying in the forest). God is supplying their needs in the jungle (like ravens fed elijah)and protecting them with elephants guarading the place. these elephants come and they dont hurt the christians (awesome God). This is truly our God. People are terrified of this incident but much more than that these simple people (our brothers and sisters) are getting stronger in the faith. Praise God.

Thank you ginnyrose and SVShankar,

This is a wonderful testimony of our Lord's
ability to protect and keep His own.
Our God is able to diliver us by His Own Hand.

Psalm 91:7-16
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. [8] Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. [9] Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; [10] There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. [11] For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. [12] They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. [13] Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. [14] Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. [15] He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. [16] With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

God is doing awesome works. after the work of the elephants, now the hindus are staying in the camps outside the village.there are protection from the police for the hindus but not for christians - thats why i believe God sent his own protection.

I was encouraged and happy to read this testimony also!

SVShankar,

"...there are protection from the police for the hindus but not for christians - thats why i believe God sent his own protection"

What you wrote here made me think how God's justice works on earth. That it wasn't until the earthly authorites refused to act that this happened. And so the Lord overruled them.

It makes me think how they are both God's ways of keeping rule on earth. But that he didn't overrule the one until they persisted in refusing him. Like between Moses and Pharoh.

It was nice to have someone closer to these events testify about them. Thank you!