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.
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