Churches attacked by Islamic militants

15 July 2010

St. Filian's Church
Photo from Compass Direct

Christian communities in two areas in Punjab province came under attack in recent weeks. On July 1, an unidentified motorcyclist tossed a grenade in front of the gates of St. Filian's Church of Pakistan located in Sargodha. Thankfully, the explosive did not detonate and was safely removed from the site. High-ranking police officials have cordoned off the area and declared Sargodha under "High Red Alert."

On July 5, Islamic extremists threatened that they and local police would demolish the Apostolic Church Pakistan building in Lahorianwali, Narang Mandi with a bulldozer. They also threatened to destroy homes belonging to believers. Christian leaders contacted district police and were able to intervene in the planned attack. "[The militants] said that if we ever tried to rebuild the walls or renovate the frail Apostolic Church building, they would create a scene here like Gojra," said local Christian Zulfiqar Gill, referring to August 2009 attacks that left at least seven Christians dead (click here for more information). (Source: Compass Direct)

Please pray these Christians will remain faithful and will not give up meeting together. Pray for the safety of believers in Pakistan. Pray that their bold witness will draw many to Christ.

For more on the persecution of Pakistani Christians, go to the Pakistan Country Report.

Pakistan

Current Ministry Projects
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.

Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Women’s Ministry
Country Information
Population
247,653,551 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Punjabi (44.7), Pashtun [Pathan] (15.4), Sindhi (14.1), Saraiki (8.4) Muhajirs (7.6) Balochi (3.6), Other (6.3)

Religion (%)
Islam (96.5), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.5)

Leader
President Asif Ali Zardari (2024)

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.