Pakistan
The influence of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda has significantly worsened the circumstances for Pakistani Christians. The network of Islamist madrassahs has poisoned the youth of Pakistan against both indigenous believers and the West. Muslim militants have banned girls’ education, forced women to wear the veil, and enforced the jizya tax for non-Muslims. Shariah law has been partially implemented as well. Blasphemy or “disrespect to the Prophet” carries a mandatory death sentence, and a life sentence is prescribed for desecration of the Koran. False charges against Christians are rampant and often result in long prison sentences.
One girl’s leg was severed because she tried to go to school. A blasphemy accusation led to a riot that ended with 60 Christian homes destroyed, seven Christians burned to death in their homes, and dozens severely injured. A Christian reports, “They used trucks to break the walls and petrol to start the fires…. We saved our lives only by hiding in the fields until three in the morning, when relatives arrived with vehicles to collect us. The children cried all night.” Pakistani pastors have been sent an ultimatum by the terrorists: convert to Islam, pay the jizya tax, or they “would be killed, their property and homes would be burnt to ashes and their women would be treated as sex slaves. And they themselves would be responsible for this.”
Prayers for persecuted Christians in Pakistan
Brothers Shot, Property Vandalized
A PAKISTANI pastor and his brother were shot on July 19 as they were leaving the courthouse. They had been accused of blasphemy and may have been tortured in prison. After the shooting, one died on the spot. The other died at the hospital. Then violence erupted in their city. Muslims targeted successful Christian businesses and threw stones at Christians’ houses.
Flooding in Pakistan
Flooding has devastated Pakistan. Contacts from Pakistan say that the water has destroyed as many as 20 million homes and has severely affected 1/5 of the country’s land. Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has confirmed that 20 million people were left homeless. Millions of people are still without shelter, and hundreds of thousands have been cut off from ground transportation.
Church Builders Attacked
A mob of Muslims used clubs to attack Christians who were laying the foundation for a church in PAKISTAN. Several were seriously injured, and four were charged for trying to defend themselves.
Pray the charges will be dropped, and that God will encourage this tiny congregation of believers. “Hide not Your face from Your servant; for I am in distress; make haste to answer me.”
Believers Evicted
When PAKISTANI Muslims were confronted about their daily sexual attacks on Christian women and girls, they ordered 250 Christian families to leave the village. The evicted families have nowhere to turn for help, since Muslims would probably bring blasphemy charges against any believers who dared to complain to the police.
Pray that God will provide them new homes. “Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and everything that moves in them.”
Couple Attacked for Evangelism
A pastor and his wife were accused of evangelism in PAKISTAN. Fourteen Muslims attacked them, injuring his legs and his pregnant wife’s hands and belly. The pastor’s brother was ambushed when he tried to get help for the couple. Police have not responded to the believers’ complaints.
Pray that God will heal the family and protect them from further assault. “Awesome is God from His sanctuary; the God of Israel--He is the one who gives power and strength to His people. Blessed be God!”
Captive Family Released
A PAKISTANI family has just been rescued after being held captive by their Muslim employer for over a year. The father received injuries to his neck, ankles, and wrists from the chains used to imprison him. The mother and oldest daughter were raped repeatedly.
Thank God for their release, and pray that He will give them healing. “Brothers, pray for us.”
Christian Beaten and Fired
In PAKISTAN, Muslims falsely accused a Christian, beat her with bamboo sticks for four hours, threatened to rape her, and pressured her husband into paying a bribe for her release. Muslim office workers contrived the plot so that she would be forced to resign her position and leave it open for a Muslim.
Pray that God will provide her a new job and encourage the couple and their children. “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely.”
Christian Students Harassed
Muslim teachers at a girls’ school in PAKISTAN pressure Christian girls to convert. The teacher and principal force believers to polish their shoes or wash their undergarments and other clothes during recess and to clean classrooms and bathrooms daily after class.
Pray that God will comfort the girls and show them that He sees their every tear. “You are my strong refuge.”
A Hand of Protection
While Christians in Islamic strongholds suffer greatly, they do experience God’s hand of protection, as shown by two recent incidents in Pakistan. After Muslims sent threatening letters to area Christians, a motorcyclist threw a grenade at the local church. The grenade, however, did not explode. Children who were playing nearby were unharmed.
