Brazen conversion bid by Christian missionaries exposed in Guna: ‘Faith healing’ promised, feast offered to target tribals in ‘Changai Sabha’, pastors flee after outrage

Religious conversion in Guna, MP
Healing meeting and feast in MP's Guna (Image via NBT)

A case of religious conversion emerged from a village in Madhya Pradesh’s Guna district after allegations surfaced that members of the tribal community were being lured into religious conversion through prayer meetings and promises of healing.

According to media reports, a large gathering was organised on Sunday, 5th April, in Mohanpur Khurd village in the name of Easter. During the event, two goats and around 40 chickens were slaughtered to prepare a feast for nearly 300-400 people, mostly from the Bhil tribal community.

Villagers were invited to attend prayer sessions where it was claimed that diseases could be cured and addictions could be overcome through prayer. A large number of people attended the event, where individuals were prayed over for relief from illnesses.

Claims of healing and conversion allegations 

The situation gained attention after a video from the event went viral on social media. In the video, a man identified as Pastor Uttam Barela is seen placing his hand on people’s heads and claiming that prayer can cure illnesses.

Following the viral video, it is reported that individuals linked to the missionary activities locked the local church premises and left the area. Hindu organisations have raised strong objections, saying that such gatherings are being used to influence and convert vulnerable tribal populations by spreading superstition and offering inducements.

Long history of Missionary activity in the area

Missionary activities in Mohanpur Khurd are not new and have been ongoing for over two decades. It is claimed that several children from the village were earlier sent to missionary-run hostels for education, and some of them have now returned as pastors. These individuals are reportedly conducting prayer meetings and encouraging others to adopt Christianity.

Pastor Barela and others associated with the group have maintained that their work is not about religion but about “changing hearts,” and they claim that prayer helps people overcome addiction and illness.

This is not the first time such cases have surfaced in the area. Back in 2017, the local administration had taken action against similar activities. A building constructed on land reserved for tribal communities was sealed, and two churches were shut down after protests and legal proceedings.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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