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Pakistan

  • Christian Girl Raped by Muslims

    Pakistani womenOn May 25, a 12-year-old girl from a Christian family, Elishba, was raped by three Muslims in Lahore, according to a June 13 report from AsiaNews. Elishba's father, Niamat Masih, returned from work to find her not at home and grew worried for her safety because she suffers from mental problems. When he went outside to look for her he heard noises coming from a nearby home and went inside. He was met by the young Muslim men who fled at the sight of him. He then found Elishba lying unconscious on the floor with her clothing torn. Elishba's family initially refrained from reporting the crime or filing charges because they were threatened by local Muslims and unable to afford the costs of a trial. After receiving support from Christian organizations, however, her father has opened a case against the rapists and they have been arrested.

    Pray for healing and comfort for Elishba, who is set to receive care at a local Christian centre specializing in treating patients with mental problems. Pray that authorities will prosecute the offenders to the full extent of the law. Pray for God's love and grace to abound in the Masih family.

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, go to thePakistan Country Report.
  • Christian Rights Activist Attacked
    Joseph Francis
    Joseph Francis
    Photo from    CLAAS

    Joseph Francis, a Christian rights activist and partner of Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS) was attacked by two unidentified Muslim militants in Lahore, Pakistan on May 23, according to a June 4 report from CLAAS. The men chased down Francis' vehicle on motorbikes and one of them pulled a gun in an attempt to forcibly stop his car. They accused Francis of committing blasphemy, a crime punishable by death, and threatened to kill him if he continued to work with CLAAS to help "blasphemers." Due to the heavy traffic, he was able to escape the men and call his staff members for help. When the staff members arrived they stopped the men, who then fled. This is the second attack on Francis in less than three months. On March 6, militants attacked his car as he arrived at a rehabilitation centre with a Christian girl who had been raped by Muslims.

    Pray for the safety of Francis and the other CLAAS staff members as they serve Christ. Pray for Francis' health as he suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure. Pray that persecutors in Pakistan will come to repentance and salvation, just as Paul did.

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, go to thePakistan Country Report.
  • Christian Doctor Falsely Accused of Blasphemy

    Punjab, PakistanDr. Robin Sardar (55) was falsely accused of blasphemy by a local Muslim, Muhammad Rafique, in the district of Hafizabad, Punjab on May 5, according to a May 7 report from Sharing Life Ministry Pakistan. The tension between the men was sparked six months ago, when Rafique visited Sardar's clinic. Rafique shook the hands of his Muslim friends present but refused to shake Sardar's hand, saying, "It's my insult to shake hand with a Christian." Some weeks later, Rafique was angered when Sardar stopped him from setting up his shop stall in front of his clinic. He then filed a case against Sardar falsely accusing him of "humiliating the prophet Muhammad."

    When local Muslims heard of the charges, they used a loudspeaker to demand the killing of Dr. Sardar, calling him a "kaffir" (infidel). A mob intent on killing Dr. Sardar and his family surrounded his home but the police were able to prevent any violence. The militants then pressured the police to arrest Dr. Sardar on charges of blasphemy. He has been detained in a local prison. His family has fled to an unknown location in fear of further violence.

    Pray for God to comfort and encourage Dr. Sardar in prison. Pray that his family will rely on the Lord to strengthen and protect them (2 Corinthians 1:8-9). Pray for Christians in Pakistan as they serve the Lord amidst severe opposition.

    For more information on the persecution in Pakistan, go to thePakistan Country Report.
  • Christian Girl Arrested and Tortured
    Farzana
    Farzana
    Photo from Sharing Life Ministry Pakistan
    Police arrested and tortured a Christian teenager, Farzana (16), after her Muslim employer falsely accused her of theft in Lahore on March 27, according to a March 28 report from Sharing Life Ministry Pakistan. Following her arrest from the house of her employer, Muhammad Abid, the police took her to the station where she was tortured and forced to confess to stealing from Abid. The same day, at 11 p.m., the police searched Farzana's home and arrested her elderly father and three brothers, whom they also tortured. Her father and brothers were released the following day when a crowd protested the police's actions.

    No formal charge has been issued against Farzana and there is no evidence to indicate her guilt. However, it is common in Pakistan for Muslim employers to falsely accuse Christians of crimes, particularly young Christian girls who
    are forced to work as house servants.

    Pray that the Lord will strengthen and comfort Farzana, providing for her every need (Phil. 4:19). Pray for God's love and grace to abound in her and her family members as they suffer for the sake of their beliefs.

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, go to thePakistan Country Report.
  • Evangelist Beaten By Muslims in Lahore
    Daniel Sodager Masih
    Evangelist Daniel Sodager Masih and his attackers
    An evangelist, Daniel Sodager Masih (55), was beaten by Muslims at approximately 7:30 p.m. in Lahore on February 11. Masih was preaching on the road when a Muslim man emerged from his nearby shop and began to shout at him. Masih told the man that he could not stop him from preaching God's Word. The man slapped Masih and was soon joined by another Muslim shopkeeper. The two beat Masih until another Christian was able to intervene and stop the assault.

    Pray for Masih who was injured in the attack. Pray that his attackers will come to repentance and salvation.

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, go to thePakistan Country Report.
  • Pastor Murdered in Peshawar

    Pastor Sajid William (29) was shot and killed by an unidentified masked assailant while he was on his way home in Peshawar on January 17. Pastor William was active in evangelistic work and was the office manager for the Christian relief and development agency Shelter Now. He is survived by his wife and 18-month old daughter.

    Pray for God's comfort for Pastor William's family. Pray that his wife and child will know the Lord as their Father and Defender (Psalm 68:5). Ask God to embolden Pakistani Christians to follow his example of faithfulness (1 Corinthians 4:9-14,16).

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, go to thePakistan Country Report.
  • Christian Girl Raped and Forced to Convert

    An 18-year-old Christian woman named Raiza was recently abducted for ten days by a Muslim man who repeatedly raped her and forced her to convert to Islam. According to a November 2 report from AsiaNews, Raiza went missing after visiting her aunt in Faisalabad on October 21. Her family contacted a Muslim man named Sajid who had harassed Raiza in the past but he claimed to know nothing of her whereabouts. On October 31, Raiza returned home and told her parents that Sajid had abducted her, assaulted her and pressured her into converting to Islam. Raiza's father filed a complaint with the police but no action has been taken to apprehend her abuser.

    Ask God to give Raiza healing from the assault. Pray for Raiza and her family as they will struggle with the ability to exhibit God's love to their persecutors (Romans 12:14-21). Pray also for protection for Pakistan's Christians during the turmoil that is enveloping the country since President Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency.

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

    According to VOMC sources, the homes of three Christian families were recently demolished by local Muslims in the village of Lobhana near Lahore, Pakistan. According to the Christian villagers, the land where several homes were located had been given to them by the Pakistani government more than ten years ago. However, some local Muslims laid claim to the land, intending to build a cemetery.

    On October 19, more than seventy armed villagers moved in with tractors and began destroying the homes. They demolished and looted three homes and were stopped only when the police arrived. Some of the Christians reported that the attackers threatened to kill them.

    Pray for those who have lost their homes and possessions because of their faith in Christ. Pray that the attackers will come to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord. Pray that those threatened will find peace in the presence of the Lord (Phil 4:4-7)

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, go to thePakistan Country Report.
  • Militants Desecrate Church, Beat Children
    Damage at the New Apostolic Church
    Photo from    AsiaNews
    Armed Muslim militants attacked the New Apostolic Church in the city of Hadyara, Lahore on October 10. According to an October 11 report from Asia News, the militants beat several Christians present, including children, shouted abuses against the believers and damaged property. The militants then used a loudspeaker to call on Muslims from nearby villagers to gather for a "final attack" after Ramadan. They also urged local businesses and farmers not to let Christians on their properties or do business with them. The Muslims were allegedly angry because the Christians refused to stop using loudspeakers during morning church services, which were held at the same time as their Islamic prayers. Local Christians said that the tension between the two religious communities has been intensifying for several months and that it has increased since the start of Ramadan.

    Ask God to strengthen and encourage the Christians affected by this attack. Pray for healing for those injured. Pray that increased persecution in the area will result in increased boldness among believers (Acts 4:29-31).

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, go to thePakistan Country Report.
  • Christians Receive Death Threats
    A mosque in Peshawar
    In early August, Christians in the city of Peshawar, northern Pakistan, received dozens of letters from Muslims that threatened them with death by suicide bombing if they did not convert to Islam. Though the original August 10 deadline expired without incident, ongoing threats have caused many believers to continue living in fear for their lives. Many believers have stopped attending worship services and cancelled church activities. Police have provided security around church buildings but many local Christians are uncertain about how serious the authorities have taken the threat against them.

    Pray that the threats against these Christians will come to nothing. Pray that believers will allow Christ to rule in their lives and not fear (1 Peter 3:13-17). Pray that persecutors throughout Pakistan would be challenged by the consistent witness of His people and be drawn to Christ (Romans 12:14, 21).

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

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