Photo: Morning Star News
The Muslim owner of a liquified petroleum gas outlet has been accused of forcibly converting a 17-year-old Christian employee and then holding him against his will, according to the youth's parents. Samsoon Javed was hired in July to work at a business owned by Umar Manzoor in the Sheikhupura District of Punjab. Soon after, Samsoon's family began noticing changes in the Christian teen's behaviour.
In September, when Samsoon did not return home from work one day, his mother Samina went to the gas station to inquire about her son. She was told that Samsoon had become a Muslim and no longer wanted to live with his family. Samina and her husband were not allowed to see their son at the time.
A few days later, when Samina managed to meet with the young man, she reported that he looked "terrorized," avoided eye contact, and stated that Umar would fire him or worse if it was discovered that he had met with his mother. "I'm certain that Samsoon is being held...against his will," adds Samina. "I have seen fear in his eyes.... I know that he'll expose the truth once he's out of [his employer's] custody." The family has approached Christian leaders for support and assistance. A major concern is that Samsoon could disappear or be harmed if the owner feels pressured.
Attempts to forcibly convert Christian men or boys to Islam are relatively rare in Pakistan. Instead, young women and girls are frequently targeted by Muslim militants, who force their victims to convert and then marry their kidnappers. For reports addressing other incidents of forced conversions in Pakistan, go to our country profile.
As Samsoon and his family deal with this terrible situation, pray that they will experience God's peace, strength and divine intervention. All the while, may this young man not only experience the Lord's divine protection during captivity, but also His comforting presence, love and guidance – making it possible for him to return home unharmed and without the risk of any potential repercussions. Despite encountering pressure and the threat of violence from those around them, pray that our vulnerable Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan will remain steadfast in their faith and continue to sense the Lord's unfailing love for them.
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