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Pakistan

• Two Christians murdered after accusations of blasphemy

  Rev. Rashid Emmanuel following the murder Photo from Compass Direct

  Rev. Rashid Emmanuel (32) and his younger brother, Sajid Emmanuel (30), were shot and killed on July 19 after they were accused of blaspheming the prophet Muhammad. The two men, leaders of United Ministries Pakistan, were being returned to jail under police custody when they were attacked and shot by several masked men. Sajid was instantly killed, while Rashid later died from his injuries. The bodies of the two reportedly bore cuts and other signs of being tortured while in police custody.

  Rashid was arrested for blasphemy on July 1 at a train station, where he went to meet with a stranger who had requested to see him. When Rashid arrived he was surrounded by police, who showed him copies of a three-page document that insulted Muhammad and was supposedly signed by Rashid and Sajid. Police arrested Sajid three days later. On July 14, handwriting experts notified police that the signatures on the blasphemous document did not match the brothers' writing. Sources believe the brothers were likely to be exonerated of the charges.

  When news of the murder reached the brothers' neighbourhood of Dawood Nagar, Faisalabad, Christians gathered to protest. Police fired teargas cannons at the protestors, who in turn threw stones. The situation quickly became volatile, with indiscriminate shooting occurring between Christians and Muslims. At last report, a curfew had been initiated in the area.

  In the days before the murder, Muslims organized large demonstrations calling for the death penalty for the brothers. Islamic extremists reportedly led the protests, which were attended by hundreds of Muslims. A church building was damaged and believers hid in their homes or fled the area. Announcements were also broadcasted from mosque loudspeakers, calling on Muslims to "burn the houses of Christians." (Source: Compass Direct)

  Pray for all those mourning the loss of Rashid and Sajid. Pray that those who perpetrated this attack will repent and come to know the Lord. Pray that, even in the midst of such injustice, Christians will respond with grace and love.

  To learn more about persecution in Pakistan, please visit the Pakistan Country Report.

• Churches attacked by Islamic militants

  St. Filian's Church Photo from Compass Direct

  Christian communities in two areas in Punjab province came under attack in recent weeks. On July 1, an unidentified motorcyclist tossed a grenade in front of the gates of St. Filian's Church of Pakistan located in Sargodha. Thankfully, the explosive did not detonate and was safely removed from the site. High-ranking police officials have cordoned off the area and declared Sargodha under "High Red Alert."

  On July 5, Islamic extremists threatened that they and local police would demolish the Apostolic Church Pakistan building in Lahorianwali, Narang Mandi with a bulldozer. They also threatened to destroy homes belonging to believers. Christian leaders contacted district police and were able to intervene in the planned attack. "[The militants] said that if we ever tried to rebuild the walls or renovate the frail Apostolic Church building, they would create a scene here like Gojra," said local Christian Zulfiqar Gill, referring to August 2009 attacks that left at least seven Christians dead (click here for more information). (Source: Compass Direct)

  Please pray these Christians will remain faithful and will not give up meeting together. Pray for the safety of believers in Pakistan. Pray that their bold witness will draw many to Christ.

  For more on the persecution of Pakistani Christians, go to thePakistan Country Report.

• Muslims kill Christian woman and children

  A Christian woman and her four children were murdered by a Muslim mob in Jhelum, Pakistan after her 11-year-old son was accused of committing blasphemy. On June 21, the Christian boy went to the local store to buy laundry detergent. The shopkeeper, upon learning the boy was a Christian, refused to sell any products to him. When the boy returned home and informed his mother of the incident, she phoned her husband -- Jamshed Masih -- and asked him to rush home from work. Before he was able to return, Muslim residents arrived at the family's home and accused the boy of committing blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad. When Jamshed's wife argued against the accusation, they killed her and the children -- two boys and two girls. Authorities are reportedly too fearful of the local Muslim leader to file charges. The family had earlier been warned by the Muslim leader to leave the predominately Muslim area. (Source: Compass Direct)

  Please pray the Lord will comfort Jamshed. Pray that he will not despair but be strengthened by God's Word. Pray the Lord will bring His peace amid this terrible injustice. Pray the Lord will give wisdom to those in authority to know how to deal with the violence and injustice being perpetrated against the Christian population.

  Learn more about the plight of Pakistani Christians at thePakistan Country Report.

• Family rescued from mob, accused of blasphemy

  A Christian family in Lahore, Pakistan was rescued from an angry mob on July 5 after being accused of blasphemy. Hundreds of Muslims surrounded their home in response to a call from mosque loudspeakers accusing the family of blaspheming against the Qur'an. Yousaf Masih and his wife Suria Bibi, along with their daughters and son-in-law, sought refuge in a relative's home and called for help from a VOM partner. A rescue team managed to track down the family and, though the vehicle was reportedly chased, they were able to escape unharmed.

  The accusations follow a discovery that the family had made a temporary roof for their bathroom out of a banner which, unknown to them, bore a verse from the Qur'an. Yousaf, Suria and their son-in-law, Zahid, now face charges under Section 295B of Pakistan's blasphemy laws.

  Pray for protection for Yousaf, Suria and their family. Pray that all charges against them will be dropped. Pray that they will be a testimony of God's grace to those around them.

  For information on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, go to thePakistan Country Report.

• Update: Court hearings continue for detained Christian

  Asia on a rare visit with her girls

  Asia Bibi (38), a Christian woman arrested for blasphemy in Pakistan's Punjab province in June 2009 following a heated discussion about Islam between her and several Muslim women (click here for more information), faced another court hearing on June 22, 2010. Once again, her accusers were not present in the court and sources are hopeful that the negligence of the witnesses will make a positive impact on Asia's case. Asia had another court hearing on June 29. At last report, the outcome of the hearing was not yet known.

  Pray that the outcome of this hearing will be positive and the charges against Asia will be dropped. Pray that she will soon be reunited with her husband and daughters. Pray that she will continue to look to the Lord for her strength during this difficult time.

  You can learn more about the plight of Pakistani Christians by visiting thePakistan Country Report.

• Christian professor beaten; families forced to flee

  On June 14, 25 Muslim students attacked Samuel John, a Christian professor at Peshawar University College, after he refused their demands to convert to Islam. Samuel was leaving his home when he was assaulted. His wife, who ran out to help him, was also beaten. Both Samuel, who was in critical condition, and his wife were rushed to a local hospital where they were treated for their injuries. Police have refused to issue a report on the incident. Muslims are reportedly still threatening Samuel, telling him, "Leave the university or accept Islam -- if you don't convert, we will kill your family." Despite the risk, Samuel has stated, "I am a Christian, and Jesus Christ is my Savior -- He provides me with everything."

  In Danna village in southern Punjab province, Muslim administrators at the Government High School recently ordered three Christian students in the eighth grade -- Sunil Masih, Shazia Masih and Nasir Naeem -- to leave the school because they refused to convert to Islam. The order came after the students' parents complained about a teacher who was urging the three to convert. The principal, under pressure from other teachers, then told the parents to remove their children from the school. The three families have since fled the area. "The police have refused to help us. We are helpless here," said Sunil's father. (Source: Compass Direct)

  Pray for healing for Samuel and his wife. Ask God to equip this couple through His grace to demonstrate His love and forgiveness amid great opposition. Pray for provision and guidance for the families forced to flee. Pray that these parents will continue to be bold witnesses of Christ to their children. Pray that Christians in Pakistan will rely on the Lord's strength and not on their own (2 Corinthians 1:8-9).

  For more on the persecution of Pakistani Christians,click here.

• Christian girl kidnapped, raped

  A 14-year-old Pakistani Christian girl from Mohalla Raja Sultan, Rawalpindi has been returned home after she was kidnapped and raped by five Muslim men. The girl, whose name has been withheld, had previously been threatened with death unless her father allowed Guddu, a Muslim man, to marry her. The Muslims told her father, Lazarus, that they had "attended an Islamic religious convention, and the speaker said if you marry a non-Muslim or rape a non-Muslim girl, you will get 70 virgins in heaven." When Lazarus and his wife returned home from work on May 29, their daughter was nowhere to be found. They later learned that five Muslim men, including Guddu, were seen following their daughter earlier that morning. The Muslims took the girl to a house near Islamabad where they drugged and raped her. On June 6, the police raided the home where she was being held; however, all the suspects were able to escape. At last report, the girl remained very frightened and was not speaking to anyone. (Source: Compass Direct)

  Pray for God's comfort, peace and healing for this Christian girl. Pray for her parents and two sisters as they stand with her at this time. Pray that during these difficult days they will remain steadfast in the faith (1 Peter 5:8-10). Pray that the perpetrators will turn to Christ and seek forgiveness.

  Click here to learn more about suffering believers in Pakistan.

• Elderly Christian imprisoned

  Rehmat Masih (73) was jailed and imprisoned on accusations of blasphemy for allegedly insulting the Prophet Muhammad in Jhandewali village, Punjab province, Pakistan on June 20. "It is a false allegation based on events months before. The case has its background in land disputes," a local Christian leader, Father Asi, has said. Rehmat and his accuser had supported opposite sides in the local elections three months ago, which may have contributed to the tensions. Muslims have also threatened to accuse other Christian villagers of blasphemy. Pakistani Church leaders have long called for the repeal of blasphemy laws which authorize the death penalty for insults to the Prophet Muhammad and life imprisonment for acts against the Qur'an. (Source: Union of Catholic Asian News)

  Pray that Rehmat will be released. Ask that he will be sustained and emboldened by the grace of Christ as he suffers. Pray that the blasphemy law will be abolished in Pakistan. Ask the Lord to enable these believers to stand firm in their faith amid severe pressure.

  For more on the persecution of Pakistani Christians,click here.

• Christian boy forced into bonded labour

  An 11-year-old Pakistani Christian boy who was abducted by a wealthy Muslim in Dhonikay village, Wazirabad 18 months ago has been growing increasingly weak and ill from being forced to work to pay off his family's debt. The family of Danish Masih owed Ashraf Cheema 142,000 rupees (approximately $1730 CAD) but fled to Islamabad when Ashraf refused to pay their monthly wages or deduct their earnings from the debt. Ashraf also extorted land from the family and stole Danish's mother's dowry, yet refused to reduce their debt. Ashraf was eventually able to locate the family and kidnapped Danish, who has since been forced to work, often in iron chains, from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. without any breaks. He is only given half a loaf of bread to eat each day. Ashraf has frequently pressured Danish to convert to Islam, promising to free him from his chains, provide him with better meals, and possibly cancel his family's debt if he converts.

  On June 10, a bailiff was sent to Ashraf's farm to secure the return of Danish. However, since Ashraf is wealthy and influential, he was informed of the raid in advance and hid the child. Ashraf has since threatened the family, saying, "After this raid by the bailiff, you will neither be able to get back your son, nor will you be granted a cancellation for your debt." (Source: Compass Direct)

  Pray that Danish will be returned to his family very soon. Ask God to shield and strengthen him at this time. Pray that the Christian community in Pakistan will support and uplift this family. Pray that Ashraf will come to know the Lord.

  For more information on the plight of Pakistani Christians, please visit thePakistan Country Report.

• Christian beaten, forced to resign

  Rajji Bibi with her husband Photo from Compass Direct

  A Christian woman, Rajji Bibi (38), has been falsely accused of theft, beaten and forced to resign from her job as a sanitation worker for a hostel in the city of Sargodha, Punjab province. On May 7, a Muslim office worker accused Rajji of stealing 10,000 rupees (approximately $120 CAD) from her cubicle. The hostel warden learned of the accusation and ordered female police officers to beat Rajji until she confessed. When Rajji refused to accept blame, the warden ordered male security guards to rape her. Rajji's husband, Nayyer Aftab, arrived in time to spare her from rape by paying the 10,000 rupees allegedly stolen. Rajji was then forced to resign. She has said of the abuse: "As I am a Christian, the Muslim hostel officers... wanted a Muslim regular employee after their hearts instead of me." The hostel warden initially refused to comment on the allegations that she acted unjustly in order to provide a job to someone of her choice, but after repeated questioning she eventually conceded, yelling, "Yes, I have done it!" (Source: Compass Direct)

  Pray for God's provision for Rajji in this time of adversity. Pray that she will continue to demonstrate Christ's love and hold firmly to faith in Him. Pray that authorities in Pakistan will uphold true justice for all citizens.

  For more on the persecution of Pakistani Christians, go to thePakistan Country Report.