Pakistan
The influence of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda has significantly worsened the circumstances for Pakistani Christians. The network of Islamist madrassahs has poisoned the youth of Pakistan against both indigenous believers and the West. Muslim militants have banned girls’ education, forced women to wear the veil, and enforced the jizya tax for non-Muslims. Shariah law has been partially implemented as well. Blasphemy or “disrespect to the Prophet” carries a mandatory death sentence, and a life sentence is prescribed for desecration of the Koran. False charges against Christians are rampant and often result in long prison sentences.
One girl’s leg was severed because she tried to go to school. A blasphemy accusation led to a riot that ended with 60 Christian homes destroyed, seven Christians burned to death in their homes, and dozens severely injured. A Christian reports, “They used trucks to break the walls and petrol to start the fires…. We saved our lives only by hiding in the fields until three in the morning, when relatives arrived with vehicles to collect us. The children cried all night.” Pakistani pastors have been sent an ultimatum by the terrorists: convert to Islam, pay the jizya tax, or they “would be killed, their property and homes would be burnt to ashes and their women would be treated as sex slaves. And they themselves would be responsible for this.”
Prayers for persecuted Christians in Pakistan
Unshaken Trust
Arif Ferguson and his family lost their jobs and are in hiding because a regional branch of the Taliban threatens to kill him.
Evangelist Receiving Death Threats
An evangelist in PAKISTAN has received death threats after sharing the gospel with Muslims and making a statement to a newspaper condemning the assassination of a Christian leader. He and his family were forced into hiding. He says, “I trust in Jesus. If I die, it will be for Christ.”
Pray for continued courage. “Blessed be the LORD! For He has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.”
Blasphemy Charges Threatened
Two Christian leaders who spoke out against the misuse of the blasphemy law in PAKISTAN have been threatened with blasphemy charges. They and their families have been forced into hiding.
Ask God to be their strength and refuge. “...they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.”
Believers Killed and Wounded in Attack
Following a dispute between a Muslim and a Christian in late November, thousands of Muslims attacked Christians in a village in PAKISTAN. Two believers were killed, and three others severely wounded. Over two dozen Christian-owned shops were looted and burned, as well as eight homes.
Pray for comfort and provision for the grieving. “But you have come….to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”
Land Seizure, Believers Attacked
In PAKISTAN on November 25, Muslims attempting to seize Christians’ land beat two women and shot at others who came to their aid.
Ask God to encourage and strengthen them. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Evangelist Shot to Death
A Christian evangelist was shot to death by suspected Islamists in November in PAKISTAN. Pray that his testimony will lead many to Christ.
Ask God to comfort and provide for his widow and children. “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”
Christian Couple Arrested, Beaten
In PAKISTAN this November, a Christian man and his pregnant wife were arrested on false accusations from Muslims and beaten for three days. They refused pressure to confess falsely or convert to Islam. They have been robbed, have lost their jobs, and could face further court proceedings.
Pray for provision and the recovery of their health. “But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God…”
Girl Escapes Captors
A 12-year-old Christian has escaped her captors in PAKISTAN! On Christmas Eve last year, she was kidnapped by Muslims, raped, and tricked into signing what she later learned were marriage papers. She was also beaten for refusing to convert to Islam. After eight months she escaped and is now in hiding with her family.
Ask God to comfort them and give them strength. “Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
Christian Brothers Kidnapped
In PAKISTAN, two Christian brothers were kidnapped by their employers, who routinely abused them and are now demanding a ransom for their release.
Ask God to free the captives and to give the family wisdom and strength. “So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of His purpose, He guaranteed it with an oath…”
Eyes on the Unseen
Salma’s family was poor, but she wanted what jewelry she had to look its best for her brother’s wedding. The jewelry was special to her, as she was saving it for her daughter one day. While she was getting it polished, her employer called her, telling her that she was needed for housework that day. She went straight to the Muslim woman’s house, still with her jewelry, and asked the woman to keep the jewelry until the next day for safety. Salma went home, another day’s work done.