Before becoming a Christian, Pastor Putumandi's life was, in his words, "a mess." He pursued his family's Hindu religion, dancing in temple ceremonies to access and appease the spirits. And he detested anything to do with Jesus.

"I hated [Christians] before." Putumandi said, "I despised Christianity."

But then he met Jesus, drawn by the compassion that he saw lacking in every other religion. For Putumandi, Jesus was the only one who could guarantee eternal life, and he wanted to know Him. After being baptized, his wife could tell that he had changed as Putumandi treated his family and others with compassion, showing the love of Christ.

When his family found out Putumandi had left Hinduism, they kicked him out of their home immediately. His 16-year-old son tried to kill Putumandi.

Despite being driven from his home and persecuted for his Christian faith, Putumandi says he never considered going back to Hinduism. "Salvation comes from Christianity," Putumandi said.

Putumandi will also share how it's been a challenge to find a job to make a living because of the Christian persecution he's faced. "I just do anything I can find," he says, "and praise the Lord; He provides."

Pray for Putumandi's health, for his family to come to know the Lord, and for his continued witness to unbelievers around him—especially the people in his own family.

You're invited! Be a part of The Voice of the Martyrs' 2026 From the Field National Conference this September in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Gather with fellow believers and hear firsthand stories from persecuted Christians in restricted nations and hostile areas where VOM serves. Seating is limited, so register soon to join this inspiring event.

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