 A woman injured in the attack Photo: Morning Star News |
A double-suicide bombing took place on September 22nd within the compound of the All Saints Church in Peshawar (about 120 kilometres from the country's capital of Islamabad). According to a hospital official, the death toll has risen to 81. Among those killed were choir members and children attending Sunday school. The incident is described as one of the deadliest attacks ever on the Christian community in this country. Two militant groups with links to the Taliban are claiming responsibility for the attack. (For previously posted video clips and reports of persecution in Pakistan, please go to our Pakistan Country Report.)
Dr. Arshad Javed, chief executive of Peshawar's Lady Reading Hospital, explained that the attack has also left 120 people wounded, with 10 of them in critical condition. In addition to being traumatized and grief-stricken over the loss of loved ones, many of the surviving victims are experiencing extreme physical pain due to the severity of their burns. The hot, uncomfortable conditions and inadequate number of medical specialists available to them are adding to their suffering.
May the "Prince of Peace" bring comfort and peace to the troubled hearts of these victimized believers whose lives have been shattered by the sudden destruction and tragic loss resulting from this violent attack. Thankfully, God is able to mend the broken pieces, and turn what was meant for evil into something good (Genesis 50:20). Pray that healing and restoration will take place in these believers' lives and church fellowship, and that through this tragedy many others in Pakistan will experience His salvation...including those opposing the Christian faith.
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