After Requesting Healing Prayer, Man Murders Evangelist

Debalal, an elder of Gospel for Asia-supported Believers Church, was fatally attacked Sunday in Phattepur, Nepal.

“Opposition, persecution and martyrdom are part of the cost of following the Lord and bringing the gospel to a desperately needy world,” says K.P. Yohannan, Gospel for Asia founder and international director. “We are always heartbroken when we lose someone, but while we weep here on earth, there is rejoicing over those who came to know Jesus through this man.”

Debalal, 36, was slain by Kumar, 29, who had asked Debalal for healing prayer. Kumar had been ill for some months and was improving gradually as Debalal prayed for him. Debalal lived approximately 30 minutes from Kumar and often visited the sick man to offer comfort and to intercede on his behalf.  

Kumar attacked Debalal around 3 a.m., slitting his throat with a khukuri, a knife with an inwardly curved edge, used as both a tool and a weapon in Nepal. Police took Kumar into custody at the Area Police Office in Kanchanpur. 

Click here for an official video statement and latest updates. 

Prayer is requested for:

• Debalal’s family, as they grieve the loss of their husband and father.

• All the believers to stand firm in their faith during such a grave situation.

• The man who did this and his family.

“We expect persecution, but our hearts are deeply grieved at this loss,” Yohannan says. “Let us pray for this grieving family and for our brothers and sisters sharing the love of Jesus in difficult situations. Many now know the love of Christ through their lives and sacrifice.”