Christian shopkeeper beaten and detained on blasphemy charges
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Imran Masih (25) was arrested after Muslims accused him of burning pages of the Qur'an in the town of Hajwery, Faisalabad, Pakistan, according to reports from AsiaNews and Pakistan Christian Post. While Masih was cleaning up his fruit and vegetable shop on July 1, he set some paper and books on fire -- a common practice for waste disposal in the area. The Muslim owner of a nearby shop then accused Masih of burning the Qur'an and called for Muslims to kill the "infidel." A group of Muslims gathered and beat Masih until police intervened and took him into custody.
Later that day, announcements were made from the local mosques calling for Muslims to take revenge on Christians for Masih's "sacrilegious act." A mob of Muslims blocked the roads, chanted slogans against Christianity and demanded that Masih be publicly hanged. At last report, Masih was detained at a local police station and Christians in the region had gone into hiding in fear of further attacks.
Pray that Masih will be released. Ask God to grant him healing and strength. Pray that Christians in this region will stand firm in faith and find refuge in the Lord's sovereign care (Psalm 127).
VOMC partners to train Christian women in sewing skills throughout Pakistan to provide a sustainable source of income for their families and encourage them in their faith and witness for Christ.
Religion (%) Islam (96.5), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.5)
Leader President Arif Alvi (2018)
Government type Federal parliamentary republic
Legal system Common law system with Islamic law influence
Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Pakistan
Pray that amendments will be made to Pakistan's existing blasphemy laws so that the country's citizens – including its children – will be protected from injustice and abuse. May our Lord's mercy and justice prevail, not only in the judiciary system but also in the hearts of the country's militants. Ask Him to transform their "hearts of stone" into hearts that are receptive to His love, mercy and the workings of His Holy Spirit – not only for the purpose of protecting the Christian minority but also for the salvation of their own eternal souls.
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