Persecution & Prayer Alert

"Our prayers may be awkward. Our
attempts may be feeble. But since the
power of prayer is in the One who
hears it and not in the one who says it,
our prayers do make a difference."
~ Max Lucado

Featured

Haroon Shahzad Acquitted

Haroon is standing with his lawyer in a portico. — Haroon Shahzad and his attorney.
Photo: Christian Daily International /
Morning Star News

In June 2023, Haroon Shahzad posted a Bible passage on his Facebook page without any commentary. Some community members were offended by the post, which eventually led to mob riots. While the authorities were able to avert the resulting violence, hundreds of Christians – including Haroon and his family – were forced to flee their village. Based on the allegations, Haroon was initially charged with blasphemy. (Read further details about his case.)

All Remaining School Students Freed!

A man is bend over a church bench. He appears to be earnest in prayer. A Bible with his glasses resting atop is sitting beside him. — Photo: Unsplash

On November 21st, people around the world were shocked by the abduction of over 300 students from a boarding school in Niger State, Nigeria. (Learn more about this kidnapping incident.)

About two weeks after the attack, Nigerian authorities announced that 100 of the children had been recovered. On December 21st, a spokesperson for the Nigerian president confirmed via social media that the remaining 130 pupils have since been released. This means that all the abducted schoolchildren were safely freed from captivity!

Pakistan - Year in Review

Women are weeping together, supporting a young woman in the front. — Photo: VOMC

While Christianity has been a significant part of Pakistan's cultural fabric for centuries, Islam remains the country's dominant religion, thereby controlling much of society. Typically, the suffering of Christians has stemmed from two primary sources: 1) accusations of blasphemy leading to charges and imprisonment, and 2) the kidnapping of young women and girls who are subsequently forced to convert to Islam and marry their captors.

Persecution & Prayer Alert

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