Pastor Neil laid to Rest

'Father forgive them, for they know not what they do' 
On the 21st February 2008, the mortal remains of Pastor Neil Edirisinghe were laid to rest in Ampara where 4 days earlier he was murdered by gunmen who shot him and his wife. A crowd of over 1,000 Pastors and leaders from all over the country representing different denominations gathered to pay their last respects to this martyr. While his coffin was laid in the grave, his wife Shiromi lay unconscious in the Intensive Care Unit of the Ampara Base Hospital fighting for her life. Their 1 1/2 year old son played; too young to comprehend what was happening around him. 

The funeral was organized by the Pastors fellowship of Ampara. In spite of the prevailing tension in the Ampara area the small community of Christians demonstrated courage and boldness. The prayer that went up to the heavens was that the blood of this martyr will become the seed of the Church in Ampara.  

Thank you for your solidarity and prayers.

Please continue to pray -
For Shiromi's healing, that God will restore her physically and
emotionally.
For their little son, that God will erase the terror and confusion of that night from his memory; that he will be surrounded by love at this time when he is separated from both his parents.
For justice; that investigations and trial of accused will take place unhampered and unbiased.
For the members of the Late Pastor Neil's congregation, for courage and protection as some of them face threats of violence.