Venezuelan Christians forced to eat pages of the Bible, have 'crosses' etched into their bodies



At least four Christian men recently suffered serious injuries after they were stabbed, forced to eat pages of the Bible, and had "crosses" etched into their skin by eight hooded men, according to a persecution watchdog organization. The attack by men suspected to be criminals from a drug gang took place at Restoration House in the city of Libertador on Feb. 16, Open Doors reported Friday. Restoration House is a church-led drug rehabilitation center in Venezuela's Mérida State. The charity, which works with persecuted churches in over 60 nations, explained that Christians, who deter people from criminal lifestyles, are often seen as a threat to the illegal activities of drug gangs in Latin America. "The criminals covered our faces and started to beat and stab us," a victim was quoted as saying. "They drew ‘X' on our bodies and forced us to eat the Bible." While the four Christians have been discharged from the hospital, one of them remains in poor health due to two broken ribs and injuries to his lungs and head. Two others had casts put on their legs and arms.

"Weeks before the attack, in the middle of a meeting discussing neighborhood issues, two men said they were going to end the Restoration House because they did not agree with this type of program," Pastor Dugarte, who founded the center with his wife, told Open Doors.

Pastor Dugarte remains strong in his faith, and he will carry on with the ministry in the predominantly Roman Catholic country.

Calling for an investigation, the Evangelical Council of Venezuela attributed the attack to "hatred towards religion," according to Premier Christian News.

"The cutting of crosses into the bodies of these young Christians, and the forced eating of pages of the Bible is...Details here