On Trial for her Life

Three years ago in Pakistan, Martha was accused of blasphemy. She and her husband had supplied construction materials to Muslim contractors, but the contractors did not want to pay for the supplies they took. Instead they brought charges of blasphemy against Martha, and a mob of hundreds of angry Muslims gathered at her house. Her husband and six children managed to get away, but the mob caught her and took her to the police. For several days, she was deprived of food. She lived in a dark and dirty cell where the prison warden hated her. A pastor managed to get her a Bible that she could read, but the food that her loved ones brought her was given instead to Muslim female prisoners. After three months and thirteen days in prison, she was released on bail.

Martha then took refuge with her cousin, a teacher and evangelist. For his kindness, he received this death threat: “….if you do not convert to Islam within 10 days and admit … your mistake, you will be surely put to death. We will kill the blasphemer woman [Martha], her husband and those who shelter them.” Martha felt badly that she had brought trouble on her cousin. She was afraid to go out in public, even to do her shopping, and felt like she was still imprisoned.

Now Martha is headed back to court on Wednesday, May 26. If she is found guilty, she could be sentenced to death.

Imagine being in Martha’s shoes. Where would you turn? What would you do?

While in prison, Martha did not back down on her faith—instead, she was reading her Bible and praying for her children’s protection. Pray that now she will be strong in Christ, no matter what she faces in the courtroom.

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. –Revelation 2:10

Source: Assist News