Pakistani churches include believers from diverse faith backgrounds, including both traditional and evangelical denominations. All Christians face difficulties, discrimination and persecution because of their Christian identity. Evangelicals take great risks to witness to Muslims, baptize converts and gather them into churches; and many church leaders work tirelessly to equip, encourage and educate Christian youth. Some workers are evangelizing and distributing God's Word in Muslim neighbourhoods and cities, including those that are home to extremist groups like the Taliban. Numerous Christians belong to the lower castes of society and are forced to work long hours at menial jobs, the only means they have to provide for their family's most basic needs.
Life for Christians:
Because of Pakistan's blasphemy laws, Christians are at constant risk of being falsely accused of blaspheming Islam, the Quran or Muhammad -- receiving harsh punishments when convicted. As street evangelism is legal under Pakistani law, several bold evangelists seize the opportunity to share the Gospel publicly. Many Christians live together in closed neighbourhoods known as colonies, which provide a measure of security. Even still, several large-scale attacks have occurred within these colonies. In general, Christians are trapped in a cycle of poor education and poverty, with a number of them employed as indentured servants for life.
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.
Religion (%) Islam (96.4), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.6)
Leader President Arif Alvi
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.
The Church of the Nazarene is the only place of worship in Tibba Sultanpur, a large town located in Pakistan's Punjab province. Initially, the members of this church had been meeting in homes, but when the congregation increased in size to about 80 members, there was the need to accommodate the grow
In recent months, a number of healthcare workers in Pakistan have faced opposition because of their Christian faith. In April, two nurses were charged with blasphemy after following instructions from their supervisor (see this report). In another instance, a nurse was accu
Thank God for Shafqat and Shagufta's safety. Photo: Family
In Pakistan, many Christians have been falsely accused of blasphemy, resulting in years of imprisonment. If released, their lives are frequently in greater danger outside of prison due to the threat of mob violence --- posing them to conditi
Pray for young believers who are facing forced conversion.
Two 13-year-old girls from Christian families have been forcibly married to their employers and converted to Islam in separate incidents. These recent cases further demonstrate the ongoing abuse of young Christian girls in the country. It is
Population
