Pakistan - Funeral - Photo: VOMC

Pakistan

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

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

Country Information

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 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.

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