A man has been shot dead in an attack on a Christian family by radical Hindu nationalists in India's Rajasthan state. 

Three other Christians were seriously injured after they were brutally beaten with a gun, swords and sickles, as reported by International Christian Concern, (ICC).

Fifteen radical Hindu nationalists attacked the family of Pastor Ramesh Bumbariya at his home in the Bansawra District on May 18. The mob reportedly attacked the family after they refused to renounce their Christian faith. 

One of the assailants pointed the gun at Pastor Bumbariya and attempted to shoot the pastor. The gun failed to fire but shortly after Pastor Bumbariya's father, Bhima Bumbariya, 52, was shot dead. Pastor Bumbariya was then knocked unconscious. 

"I believe God has a definite purpose in keeping me alive," Pastor Bumbariya told ICC from his hospital bed. "I will carry on the ministry God has given to me."

"We gave up so much already for the sake of our faith," Pastor Bumbariya continued. "They took away our agricultural land, they destroyed our house, now they want our lives. I am worried about my family and children; about what will happen to them when I am not around." 

"I am sure I cannot attend my father's funeral now that I am almost on a death bed," Pastor Bumbariya told ICC. "But I thank God for his mercies during this difficult situation." 

William Stark, ICC's Regional Manager, said in a statement: "We here at International Christian Concern are deeply concerned by the attack on Pastor Ramesh and his family. We pray for their full recovery and mourn with them over the murder of Bhima. No one should be murdered because they choose to follow Jesus. In recent years, however, the impunity enjoyed by radical Hindu nationalists in India has emboldened them to increase their attacks on Christians, in both number and severity. Authorities in India must do more to bring these radicals to justice and provide Indian Christians with their religious freedom rights guaranteed by India's constitution."