When Christians in Pakistan are falsely accused of speaking against Islam, Muhammad or the Quran, they risk being charged under the country’s infamous blasphemy laws, which carry harsh punishments – ranging from hefty fines to the death penalty. Even if not convicted, Christians accused of blasphemy remain vulnerable to mob violence.
Other believers are tortured or killed for their faith in Christ – especially if they are involved in Christian activities or if they have left Islam to follow Jesus. Christian girls and young women are at risk of being kidnapped, forcibly converted to Islam and, in many cases, married to much older men. Because of these dangers, Pakistan is listed eighth on the World Watch List, Open Doors’ annual ranking of countries where it is most difficult to follow Jesus.
In the latest episode of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman is joined by Pastor Peter Paul to discuss the current state of Christian persecution in Pakistan and the many challenges facing believers in his native country. Pastor Peter presently leads a church in southern Ontario, as well as the Christian television channel, Living Hope TV. He also partners with The Voice of the Martyrs Canada to provide help and hope to persecuted Christians in Pakistan.
Date: October 2022
Length: 48:00
Show Notes
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada
Cornerstone Asian Church/Living Hope TV
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Throughout Pakistan, VOMC’s ministry partners are providing Christian women with practical skills training in sewing so they can obtain a sustainable source of income for their families, as well as needed spiritual encouragement to strengthen their faith and witness for Christ.
Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Women’s Ministry
Population
238,181,034 (July 2021 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 Arif Alvi (2018)
Government type
Federal parliamentary republic
Legal system
Common law system with Islamic law influence
Source: CIA World Factbook
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.
A Christian security guard at the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan, was recently threatened with blasphemy charges because she insisted on following regulations. Thankfully, the incident was captured on video footage, d
...A Christian girl in Pakistan who worked as a domestic servant is still awaiting justice three months after she was raped at her employer's home. Even though the incident was reported to police, no action has been taken to arrest those responsible.
Yasir Masih, a father of two, resides in Karachi, Pakistan. Several months ago, the Christian man's wife left their home after being convinced by Yasir's aunt to convert to Islam. Since that time, other members of the family have been pressuring him to also convert.
Anita Emmanuel was 16 years old when she was kidnapped by her rickshaw driver over a year ago in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Since both of her parents worked, arrangements had been made for Muhammad Wasim to drop the Christian teenager off at school each day and then bring h
...8341 Views
9479 Views
448728 Views
436986 Views
435596 Views
16893 Views
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107534307RR0001