Pray for distraught Christian widow

On March 21, a group of young Muslim men attacked a Salvation Army church in Hyderabad, Pakistan, and shot to death 25-year-old Jamil and another man. Recently VOM staff visited with Jamil's wife, Sana, who had been married to Jamil but a month before his tragic death. Sana is very emotionally fragile at this time. "One minute she is laughing and the next she is crying. Her behaviour is very erratic," said the VOM team leader. Jamil had been supporting Sana, his parents and two siblings by working as a sweeper.

Pray that Sana will receive the care she needs and be encouraged by the prayers of her Christian family. Pray that she will look to God in her grief, resting in the unfailing mercy and love of her Father. Pray also for God to comfort Sosan, the wife of the other man killed in the attack, and for their six children. Pray that many will continue to stand as witnesses for Christ in Pakistan, even amid violence and hostility.

You can pray for and stand with Asia Bibi, another woman in Pakistan suffering for her faith in Jesus Christ. Asia has been sentenced to death for blasphemy and is currently waiting for a court's ruling on her appeal.

Find out more about the ways Christians are suffering in Pakistan at the Pakistan Country Report.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC partners to train Christian women in sewing skills throughout Pakistan to provide a sustainable source of income for their families and encourage them in their faith and witness for Christ.

    Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Women’s Ministry

  • Country Information

    Population
    247,653,551 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Punjabi (44.7), Pashtun [Pathan] (15.4), Sindhi (14.1), Saraiki (8.4) Muhajirs (7.6) Balochi (3.6), Other (6.3)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (96.5), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.5)

    Leader
    President Asif Ali Zardari (2024)

    Government type
    Federal parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Common law system with Islamic law influence

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Pakistan

    Pray that amendments will be made to Pakistan's existing blasphemy laws so that the country's citizens – including its children – will be protected from injustice and abuse. May our Lord's mercy and justice prevail, not only in the judiciary system but also in the hearts of the country's militants. Ask Him to transform their "hearts of stone" into hearts that are receptive to His love, mercy and the workings of His Holy Spirit – not only for the purpose of protecting the Christian minority but also for the salvation of their own eternal souls.

Pakistan News

  • Blasphemy Conviction for Online Posts
    Furniture and possessions are strewn on a street. Some of them are burning.
    The riots in 2023.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    In August 2023, the Christian colony of Jaranwala was filled with violence after allegations of blasphemy were made against two brothers. During the rampage, as many as 400 homes and 26 church buildings were damaged or destroyed. For more details, and to view video footage of the attacks, see this page.

  • Wife of Nazir Masih Dies of a Heart Attack
    Naseem and Nazir
    Naseem and Nazir
    Photo: Morning Star News
     

    In May, shocking images of mob violence were revealed after 74-year-old Nazir Masih was falsely accused of burning pages from the Quran. The elderly Christian man was fatally wounded during the resulting mob violence, which also led to the destruction of his shoemaking business, along with several attacks against other Christians. Further details on the violent rampage are available here.