Violence in Pakistan continues to be an issue for the Church Photo: Mission Network News
Armed Muslims disrupted the worship service at Numseoul Presbyterian Church in Lakhoki Kahna village, on May 29, cursing the congregation, smashing a glass altar and desecrating Bibles and a cross. Instead of making arrests, police initially pressured Christians to accept an apology from the accused.
Pastor Ashraf Masih told Compass Direct that Muhammad Shoaib, the nephew of a former Member of the Punjab Assembly (MPA), entered the church building accompanied by four men armed with rifles and pistols. They cursed the congregation for "disturbing the peace of the area by worshipping on loudspeakers," though the loudspeakers were used only inside the building. Police were reluctant to register the incident until the pastor told police that his colleagues had witnessed the damage, journalists had photographed the site, and his congregation would block the main road in protest. Police officials agreed to make Shoaib publicly apologize.
Pray for Pastor Ashraf and the members of the congregation. May they conduct themselves in such a way that they will be witnesses for the gospel. Pray for justice for Pakistani Christians. May God grow and strengthen His church in Pakistan.
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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