(Today’s Prayer) Nine people died after a railing collapsed at a temple in southern India, killing tens of thousands of worshippers.

At least nine people, including two children, were killed in a stampede at a Hindu temple in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday (local time), The Indian Express reported.

According to the outlet, 25,000 devotees had crowded the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Srikakulam that morning to mark Ekadashi, a day when Hindus fast and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu.

The stampede occurred due to the large number of devotees crowding the temple at once.

Police explained, "The railing collapsed as the worshippers pushed each other to get through."

Nine people were killed and 13 were injured as a result, India Today reported. Most of the dead were women and children.

The injured were immediately taken to a hospital for treatment.

Stampedes continue to occur in India. In September, at least 39 people were killed and 50 injured in a stampede at a political rally.

Source: Nate News

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good (Titus 2:11-14)

We hear the tragic news that at least nine people, including two children, have died in a stampede at a Hindu temple in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, while devotees were fasting and praying to Lord Vishnu.

Lord, have mercy on the Indian souls whose fervent desire to draw closer to a false god who cannot speak, seeking salvation, has instead become poison to them.

May the souls of India swiftly recognize God's grace—which desires to redeem and purify them from all lawlessness, even at the cost of sacrificing Himself, to make them His people.

May the Indian government feel a profound sense of responsibility for the injuries and deaths of its citizens in this stampede accident, and may it contemplate concrete measures and plans—such as limiting the number of attendees—to ensure this never happens again.

May the Indian church come forward in repentance for its lack of godliness and its pursuit of worldly desires, setting an example first. May it be used like new wineskins, with prudence, righteousness, and godliness, to nurture Indian souls.

May the Indian Church become one that manifests the glory of God, the Savior Jesus Christ, greater than any god in the world. May it diligently prevent future accidents like the crush incident, take the lead in wise and good works, and become a true leader within Indian society.

Thus, through the Indian Church, may the gospel of true truth be proclaimed throughout India, and may a million Indian missionaries arise, running along the Asian Highway toward all nations with the joy of salvation!