A Call For Prayer in Pakistan

Friends of Pakistan, on Saturday, May 25, The Outreach Foundation received word of a wave of violence against Christians in Sargodha, Pakistan. Sargodha has a population of nearly 700,000 and is north of Faisalabad in an area that has increasingly experienced violence by radicalized Muslims. The current situation is yet another example of a mob’s misapplication of “blasphemy laws” in Pakistan. A recent article gave some explanation for those unfamiliar with the situation.

“The charges of “blasphemy against the Quran” are one of the most difficult and disturbing crimes that typically evoke intense emotions among populations where literacy is low. Originally implemented in the 19th century as a check by the majority Muslim community against false teachings in their Muslim communities, the laws are now used against minorities. Judges who fail to uphold what the clerics deem “blasphemous” often become targets of death threats themselves. The military, police, and local leaders attempt, usually without success, to protect the Christians.” 

A violent mob attacked the houses of two accused Christians in Mujahid Colony, Sargodha. One had a small shoe-making factory, which has been burnt. His house along with the other houses and shops of Christians have also been set on fire. These accused Christians have been brutally beaten and hospitalized in critical condition, where it is reported that one died due to brutal torture. 

Christians have fled from the area. Police have imposed a curfew but only after the mob marched through the city with anti-Christian slogans and calls for attacks on churches.

The Opportunity

Our mission partners in Pakistan ask for our prayers. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case and such violence against minorities is on the rise. The Outreach Foundation is working with various trusted partners to support the Christian community by providing safe havens for families of those unjustly accused of blasphemy and who are in danger. The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the mission and ministry of PAK Mission Society which can help get aid quickly to those in need. You may send a check to our home office in Franklin, TN, or you can give online via the button below.

Presbyterian pastors visiting with Nazir Masih, a falsely accused Christian man in Pakistan, who mobs tried to kill over Memorial Day weekend.