Asia Bibi |
The hearing for Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy, was postponed for the sixth time on September 9th -- this time at the request of her husband, Ashiq Masih. Asia was arrested in June 2009 after being accused of insulting the Muslim prophet Mohammed. (For more information on Asia's longstanding case, visit this page.)
The Christian wife and mother's hearing has now been rescheduled for October 16th. Although her legal team was present for the September 9th hearing, Ashiq requested the postponement because his private attorney could not attend. Sources report that the judge has issued an order declaring that the upcoming October hearing will be final, with no further adjournments.
After yet another disappointing delay in her case, pray that Asia will not lose heart but would continue to look to Jesus for daily strength and grace. May her worried family members and other loved ones be granted much patience and peace as they support this dear sister in Christ during her time of trial. Pray that God will be present in every detail of preparation for the upcoming hearing so it may go smoothly and result in Asia's freedom from prison. Finally, please also remember in prayer the many other Christians in Pakistan who are facing blasphemy charges or other such false allegations because of their love for Jesus Christ.