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Pakistan

• Christian Doctor Falsely Accused of Blasphemy

  Dr. 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 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

  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 fromAsiaNews

  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.

• Two Girls Kidnapped and Forced to Marry Abductors

  Two young Christian girls were kidnapped from their homes by Muslims in the city of Faisalabad in recent weeks, according to an August 22 report from Asia News.

  Zunaira (11) was taken from her home in Warispura by a Muslim named Muhammad Adnan on August 5. She was then forced to convert to Islam and marry her kidnapper. Her mother, Abida, was informed of her daughter’s situation by two local Muslims who acted as negotiators when the kidnappers demanded money in exchange for Zunaria's release. She offered them 12,000 Rupees (287 CAD) but they told her it was not enough. She then went to the police for help but was told that the kidnapping was "not a matter for the police."

  In the second case, Shumaila Tabussum (16) was kidnapped from her home by a Muslim man named Mazher and some other unknown people on August 16. The kidnappers told her that her father had been injured in an accident. When they offered to take her to see him in the hospital, she got into their car. While they were driving, Shumaila saw two of her uncles and shouted the news about her father's alleged accident to them. Her uncles then went to the hospital but discovered no one there. Shumaila's father immediately reported her abduction to the police. He fears she might also be forced to convert to Islam and marry a Muslim man since such cases are increasingly common for Christian girls in Pakistan.

  Pray that Zunaira and Shumaila will be returned home. Pray that they will remain strong in their faith. Ask God to give comfort to their families. Pray for safety for other young Christian girls in Pakistan.

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

• Christian Murdered by a Muslim

  Patras Masih was shot and killed in Lahore in the early morning of June 27. According to a July 23 report from Sharing Life Ministry Pakistan, Masih was working overtime at a factory when he received a cell phone call. When he went to the main gate to meet with a Muslim colleague, he was gunned down. According to Masih's father, the Muslim man had pressured Masih to convert one month prior to his death. Masih is survived by his parents and was an only child.

  Pray that those who knew and loved Patras will know comfort, peace and boldness as deep as their grief. Pray that Christians in Pakistan will be strengthened to follow in his example of faithfulness to Christ at all cost (1 Corinthians 4:9-14,16).

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