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Men praying
Photo: VOMC

Yasir Masih, a father of two, resides in Karachi, Pakistan. Several months ago, the Christian man's wife left their home after being convinced by Yasir's aunt to convert to Islam. Since that time, other members of the family have been pressuring him to also convert.

Recently, Yasir's wife asked him to meet with her. When he arrived at the designated meeting place, however, he was greeted by a crowd consisting of about 150 to 200 people. A gun was placed on the table, along with some money. In addition to bribing him with the money, he was also promised a new house if he converted to Islam.

When Yasir turned down the offer and started to leave, he was warned that things would become very bad for him and his children if he refused to cooperate. His eldest daughter was then asked if she would prefer to live with her mother or father. She replied that she wanted to live with "Jesus Pappa." Despite an outbreak of anger from the crowd, Yasir and his children were allowed to leave.

Yasir has turned to the police, but they refuse to help, even though his wife has confessed that she tried to poison him and their two children. The Christian man and his children have since gone into hiding due to the pressure and death threats they received. He and his children are now being provided assistance from CLAAS, an organization committed to supporting Pakistani believers who are being persecuted for their faith. For other reports addressing the suffering of our Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan, go to our country report.

Pray that Yasir will remain steadfast in his faith despite the ongoing pressure perpetrated against him. May the Lord give him and his children inner strength and an overriding sense of calm during this difficult time of upheaval. Furthermore, pray that Yasir's wife, as well as the other Muslims who are opposing him, will come to recognize the truth of the Scriptures and, as a result, readily receive the Lord's provision of eternal salvation.

Current Ministry Projects

Throughout Pakistan, VOMC’s ministry partners are providing Christian women with practical skills training in sewing so they can obtain a sustainable source of income for their families, as well as needed spiritual encouragement to strengthen their faith and witness for Christ.

Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Women’s Ministry

Country Information

Population
238,181,034 (July 2021 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 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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