Update: Prisoner spends nights praying and singing

VOM-USA 19 April 2012

Imran Ghafur

The family of Imran Ghafur, a Pakistani Christian who has been imprisoned on blasphemy charges since early 2010 (for more, click here), was recently visited by VOM staff.

His family shared that Imran spends time praying and singing spiritual songs in the prison at midnight. Sometimes Muslim prisoners join him and ask him to pray for them. Imran also spends time reading the Bible. His family shared that he is anxious to be released so that he can "do missionary work for Jesus."

Pray for Imran's release. Pray that, in the meantime, God will bless Imran's missionary work within the prison walls. Pray that the Muslims who have joined him for prayer and song will make a commitment to serve the Lord. Pray for strength and encouragement for Imran's family, as VOM staff said they seemed to be in low spirits.

Go to the Pakistan Country Report to learn more about Pakistan's persecuted Church.

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.