Published on: 22 August 2023
DOHI News
Today, I received emails from several of our field workers and ministry partners in Pakistan asking for URGENT prayer for Christians living in Pakistan.
Families from the Christian community in Jaranwala, Faisalabad are living in terror after hundreds of Muslims, armed with sticks, rocks and gasoline stormed the Christian community.
On August 16, two Christian men, Raja Amir and Rocky Masih were accused by some Muslim neighbors of desecrating the Quran. Shortly after, an announcement was made at the Mosque to target the Christians and attack churches in the city. An angry mob quickly formed outside of Raja’s home and destroyed his home.
Using gasoline, the mob began setting dozens of houses on fire and destroying 17 churches.
More than 200 Christians fled to safety.
Fear is spreading across other areas of Pakistan as many remember the Youhanabad devastation in 2015.
One of our ministry partners in Lahore wrote to us this morning asking for prayer:
“Last night was particularly tense, and we’re not sure what might happen.
Even Youhanabad, the largest Christian community area in Lahore, is under threat. This is particularly concerning as two major churches in Youhanabad had previously experienced attacks in 2015. Although there is a police presence in the area for protection, people are still afraid, because similar measures didn’t stop violent mobs in other places.
In light of these distressing events, we ask for your prayers for the safety of Christians across Pakistan.”
Please join us in prayer for the current grave situation facing our Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan. Pray that current hostilities cease.
126 Muslims rioters in Jaranwala have been arrested.
- Pray that police will successfully prosecute the attackers.
Christians, Raja Amir and Rocky Masih have been arrested.
- Pray for their release and that they will be found innocent of the blasphemy accusations.
Dozens of families are left homeless
- Pray for the comfort and provision of families left homeless.
17 churches destroyed or damaged:
- Pray for spiritual strength for Pastors, leaders and Christians left without a worship building.
Together, let us stand against this evil that threatens the lives of innocent Believers and desires to prevent the sharing of the Good News of Jesus in Pakistan!
Paul H. Popov
