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Pakistan

• Missing Pastor Possibly Kidnapped

  Pastor Judoon has not been seen since January 22nd, and his family fears he may have been kidnapped by militants. They announced that he left his house at 6 p.m. without stating where he was going and then disappeared. Locals have searched the area in vain. The police have since found his bag and motorbike a short distance from Kamahan.

  The pastor's family members are concerned because Judoon was supporting a Christian accused of "blasphemy," the type of case that causes tensions to run high in Pakistan. Serving as an elder of Kamahan village near Lahore, Judoon demonstrated compassion towards a fellow believer, Babu Shahbaz, who was accused of writing his name on a copy of the Quran, then ripping up its pages. (Babu, reported to be an evangelist, is illiterate.)

  While Judoon's whereabouts is unknown, Babu remains locked up in police custody. Local Christians believe Babu's accuser is a business rival motivated by jealousy. The ministry of Release International, an affiliate of The Voice of the Martyrs, is supporting both families during this difficult time of uncertainty, trial and tremendous concern. Learn more about persecution in Pakistan by going to our online country report.

  As extremists in Pakistan typically do not discriminate between those accused of blasphemy and those who support or defend the accused, please pray that God will protect Pastor Judoon and his family. Also pray that his friend Babu will be released and the charges against him dropped. May both families rebuild their lives in safety and harmony among those of their communities. Continue to intercede for the general populace of Pakistan, that there will be a radical shift in attitudes toward religious minorities.

• Teen Girl Escapes Abusive Abductors

  A 17-year-old Christian girl is presently in hiding after having escaped kidnappers who brutally abused her. As a result of the abuse, she is left pregnant and terrified. "Sara" (not her real name) was abducted seven months ago, allegedly by militant Muslim neighbours who invited her for a meal, then drugged her. For the next seven months, the teen was held captive and subjected to appalling abuse.

  Thankfully, Sara recently managed to escape and return home to her family. As it is not safe for her to stay in the neighbourhood, she is now receiving care and counselling at a VOM-operated safehouse. Ministry contacts are also seeking justice on her behalf through the courts.

  Ask God to pour out His healing love over Sara, wiping away every tear from her eyes (Revelation 21:4). Pray that justice and restoration will take place for this abused teen and her family -- and for every Christian in Pakistan who's suffering abuse and discrimination because of their faith. May there be a change in attitude towards religious minorities who are considered "second class" citizens by those oppressing them. Pray that the country's government and state officials will lead the way, speaking out against religious intolerance and taking firm action against militants who persecute innocent victims such as Sara.

• Perpetrators Sentenced for Brick Kiln Murders

  
  Shama and Shahzad

  On November 25th, a court in Lahore handed the death sentence to five people who were responsible for the torturing and killing of an impoverished young Christian couple in 2014 over allegations of burning the Quran. Eight others involved in the attack were sentenced to two years in prison.

  After militant Muslim leaders incited violence via mosque loudspeakers, a frenzied mob consisting of hundreds of villagers were caught up in the assaults, during which time, Shahzad Masih, 26, and his wife, Shama, 24, were thrown into a burning brick kiln. At the time of her death, Shama was five months pregnant. A previous report on this case is available at this page.

  Although more than 50 people had initially been charged in the deaths of the young couple, most of them were acquitted after family members recorded statements denying the presence of the accused at the scene. Sources also believe that the state later lost interest in the case, allowing several of those directly involved in the attack to walk away free by manipulating gaps in the Pakistani legal system.  

  Even still, the incident has caused an outrage in both national and international media -- civil society in general -- prompting the Pakistani government to take the unprecedented step of becoming the complainant in the case. "The conviction of five people by the court is no small feat," states the attorney who represented the victims' family. "I hope this verdict would be seen as a stern warning against any such violence against minorities in the future." For more cases relating to Pakistan's notorious blasphemy laws, visit the Pakistan Country Report.

  While thankful that God has used the public outcry of people around the world to bring attention to the plight of minorities suffering under Pakistan's blasphemy laws, we are mindful of our need to intercede for the perpetrators. May the Lord not only touch the hearts of those convicted in this case with His love and mercy but also the many others who participated in the mob violence, bringing each of them to repentance and salvation (John 3:16). Pray that His comfort, provision and blessing be upon the couple's four orphaned children, so they will grow strong in both physical stature and character, and encouraged to embrace the faith of their beloved parents.

• Blasphemy Charges Dropped Against Child

  Blasphemy charges have been dropped against a young Christian boy in Quetta, Pakistan. The youngster and his mother were both accused of burning pages of the Quran, an incident that allegedly took place on October 20th.

  While the child and his mother remained behind bars, local Christian leaders negotiated on their behalf. Thankfully the matter was resolved a day later, resulting in the release of the mother and son. The blasphemy accusations were quashed and an official complaint was filed against some unknown persons.

  Nasir Saeed, Director of CLAAS in the United Kingdom, said this is not the first time a minor has been charged with a blasphemy offence. He then cited examples. One such case took place in 1993 when 12-year-old Salamat Masih was charged under the blasphemy law for a crime he never committed. In 2011, a 13-year-old Christian girl by the name of F. Bhatti was accused of blasphemy by her Muslim teacher for misspelling a word.

  The director further states in regards to this concern: "The Government of Pakistan must consider such cases and take appropriate steps to bring necessary changes to stop the ongoing misuse of this law. The international community has continuously expressed its concern and called for amendments." Please pray that the needed amendments will be made so 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 majority.

• Asia Bibi Case Adjourned After Judge Steps Down

  Asia Bibi's agonizing wait has been prolonged as Pakistan's Supreme Court adjourned her appeal hearing. A leading Supreme Court judge, who was due to hear Asia's appeal last week stepped back from the case on the grounds that he had been a judge in the trial of Mumtaz Qadri. (Mumtaz was previously convicted and condemned to death for murdering Punjab governor Salmaan Taseer, who had opposed the country's blasphemy laws.)

  Tensions are running high over Asia's case. Approximately 150 Muslim clerics issued a "fatwa" (a religious edict), warning the government not to release Asia and threatening to kill anyone who helps a person accused of blasphemy. More information on Asia's case can be found here.

  Please pray that God's strength and peace will sustain Asia, her family and those representing her (Philippians 4:7), while also keeping them safe from any assault or threat against their lives. Ask Him to grant wisdom, courage and protection to the members of the Pakistani government, as well as the Supreme Court judges who will be hearing Asia's appeal. May they not be intimidated by the militants but rather encouraged to act justly and extend mercy. Through it all, may Asia's case be used to highlight the injustice of Pakistan's blasphemy laws and to testify of her steadfast Christian faith to many around the world.

• Asia Bibi Approaches Final Appeal

  Asia Bibi has been on death row since 2010 for telling her co-workers about Jesus. After testifying of Him, she was accused and convicted under Pakistan's widely misused blasphemy laws. Her final appeal to the country's Supreme Court is due next week. (Previous reports on Asia's situation are available here.)

  This imprisoned wife and mother is not alone in having suffered under these laws. Minorities such as Christians are often the target of accusations, sometimes made just to settle personal scores. If Asia's death sentence is upheld by the court, then her only chance from a human perspective would be a presidential pardon.

  Please join us in praying that "God will make a way where there seems to be no way" (lyrics by Don Moen), providing Asia miraculous deliverance from the impending death penalty she has so bravely faced over the years. Additionally, uphold her family and those mediating judicially and politically on her behalf, interceding for their divine protection as well. May the Almighty God silence the chants of the masses who want to end her life, transforming their 'hearts of stone' into hearts that are receptive to His love and mercy and the work of His Holy Spirit -- not only for the purpose of saving Asia's life but also for the salvation of their own eternal souls.

  On behalf of our Christian sister, Asia, and other members of our suffering family, we wish to include the song,
  God Will Make a Way, which can be played here.

• Swift Response Saves Community from Bomb Attack

  
  The main gate to the Warsak Dam Christian Colony.
  Photo: World Watch Monitor

  Christians in northwest Pakistan narrowly escaped with their lives after security forces foiled a suicide bomb plot against them. Security guard Samuel Masih opened his community's main gate to four Taliban bombers -- and died in a hail of bullets. Two other guards were injured, as were two soldiers and a policeman.

  However, the swift response of Samuel's colleagues meant that a greater tragedy was averted. One of the suicide bombers was killed after igniting his bomb, but thankfully there were no other casualties as a result of the blast. Security officials intervened by killing the three other suicide bombers.

  The 30 Christian families residing within the gated community near Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province were unharmed. The Pakistani Taliban reported that the bombers carried out this attack on Friday, September 2nd. The same extremist group involved in this attack claimed responsibility for the Easter Sunday suicide bomb attack that took place in Lahore on March 27th of this year -- resulting in more than 70 killed and numerous others injured. Information on the Lahore bombing incident can be reviewed here.

  Pray that God will comfort and provide for Samuel's widow, Razia, and their five children. Ask the Lord to heal Samuel's colleagues who were injured in this recent attack, offering praise that the lives of those residing within the gated community were spared. Also continue to uphold the families still experiencing the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attack in Lahore. May all our brothers and sisters throughout Pakistan receive the assurance that they are not forgotten by their global Christian family. May God strengthen their faith -- and our solidarity with them.

• Asia Bibi's October Appeal

  Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy against Islam, will fight for her freedom in court this October. Asia was convicted of blasphemy in 2010 after Muslim women told a cleric in a village of the eastern Punjab province that she had made "derogatory remarks" about the prophet.

  Since her arrest in 2009, the international community has pressured Pakistan's strict government, calling for Asia's release and reforms to be made to the blasphemy laws. Although her appeal was scheduled for March 26th of this year, rising tensions and protests against it from Pakistan's Muslim community delayed the hearing until October.

  Asia has been sitting in prison for almost seven years, and reports have indicated that the health of the 51-year-old mother has been deteriorating. As the blasphemy law in Pakistan is often abused by Muslims to settle personal scores with Christians and other religious minorities, international religious freedom advocates have asserted that the charge against Asia is trumped up and have called for the Pakistani government to immediately release her. For previous reports on Asia's ongoing case, click here.

  Ask that the Lord will grant favour to Asia and her legal representatives as they mediate for justice and mercy on her behalf. May the court be impartial and not be swayed by prejudicial arguments or protests, nor respond in fear to opposing militants. Continue to pray for Asia's health and protection, as well as the safety of her family and all who are trying to assist her. Intercede for the Pakistanis who are wishing her harm by wrongfully taking "justice" into their own hands. Pray that they would be under the conviction of the one true God who longs for His love and salvation to be experienced by all of humanity (John 3:16).

• Father of Rape Victim Yearns for Justice

  
  Sonia's house at the end of the yard.
  Photo: World Watch Monitor

  The father of a 16-year-old girl, who was allegedly raped by a neighbour, believes his daughter has little hope of obtaining justice because the accused is well-connected politically in the local area. Nasar Masih is concerned that the police will ultimately favour the suspect who raped his teenage daughter in expectation of immunity from prosecution due to "some support from his family and political leadership of the area."

  On July 7th, Sonia, the victimized 16-year-old Christian girl, was returning to her home in Sheikhupura, Punjab, when she was unexpectedly confronted by Muhammad Iqrar, aged 23. As the two families share a yard, Sonia had to pass Muhammad's front door in order to get to her house.

  Sonia's father heard her cries and rushed to help. "I was home when the incident took place," Nasar explains. "Sonia tried to set herself free -- and shouted for help -- but we failed to hear her as the doors were closed. However, as we eventually heard her cries, we rushed and stormed into Muhammad's house. Seeing us, Muhammad fled from the scene, leaving Sonia in a critical situation."

  The First Information Report (a witness statement given by the accuser) was registered at the Saddar police station in Farooqabad. "I don't have much hope for justice," Nasar admits. "Even forensic reports can be interfered with. And if Muhammad isn't jailed, he will be free to harass us as their house is so near to ours." In the meantime, the concerned father has requested that the accused and his family use a different entrance to their home.

  Investigating Officer Malik reports: "We do not value Muhammad's claim. The medical report has confirmed that (Sonia) was raped. We have requested the mobile phone company to provide Muhammad's call data, which will be submitted in the court." Thankfully, there has been local support for the victimized girl and her family. To learn more about persecution in Pakistan, click here.

  Please join us in praying for Sonia and her family, asking the Lord to render justice in what is often considered an unjust part of the world (Psalm 140:12). In addition to providing them protection from threats or further harm, may the ongoing ministry of His Holy Spirit bring physical and psychological healing to Sonia. We can thank the Lord for the support this family has received from those of their local community, and for granting them the strength they need while pursuing justice in this case. In the process, may the young man who violated Sonia realize his own need of Christ who has willingly paid the price for the sins of a lost and broken humanity.

• Attacked Survivors Share God's Word

  
  Christians in Pakistan recently
  received VOM-sponsored Bibles.

  On April 17th, gunmen attacked a group of Christian workers who were on their way to distribute VOM-sponsored Bibles. Although the attackers beat one team member and threatened to shoot their driver, all of the workers survived the attack and were able to complete the Bible distributions.

  The team of workers visited 11 churches in remote villages and towns, distributing Bibles and study guides to more than 700 people. Many Christians cried with joy as they received copies of God's Word for the first time. In addition to distributing Bibles, one worker shared his testimony and many others came to faith in Christ. Please pray for the Christian workers involved, as well as those who gratefully received the Bibles from them. (Previously posted reports revealing the challenges facing believers in Pakistan are available at our Pakistan Country Report.)