Another ministry outreach of Hope Alive ministries is supporting local churches. We want to encourage and empower Pakistani Christians to fulfill the Great Commission in this country where they are persecuted for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. We wish to bring encouragement to them as they love and win to Christ those who are opposed to the Gospel.
What does persecution look like in Pakistan?
In August 2023 there was a devastating attack against the Christian community of Jaranwala . This was a sobering reminder of the hostile environment facing many believers in Pakistan. In response to allegations that two believers had desecrated the Quran, a violent mob burned 20 Christian homes, churches and set Bibles on fire. Many Chistian families lost all that they owned and their entire life's savings.
Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws are often used to target minority groups, but Christians are disproportionately affected. Indeed, roughly a quarter of all blasphemy accusations target Christians, who only make up 1.8% of the population.
Believers are targeted in other ways, too, both publicly and in subtly. The number of Christian girls are abducted, abused and forcefully converted to Islam (frequently backed by lower courts) is growing, while churches that engage in outreach are especially prone to opposition. All Christians are subject to discrimination, and occupations that are deemed low, dirty and degrading, such as working as a sewer cleaner or on a brick kiln, are reserved for Christians by the authorities. Many are referred to as 'chura', a derogatory term meaning "filthy."
Please pray for Christians in Pakistan as persecution threatens Christians throughout the country. Pray for front-line workers ministering to families who have lost everything. Pray that God will meet the needs of Christians affected by the violence. Pray that government leaders will intervene to protect Christians and that the attackers will be held accountable.
We invite you to make a gift to helping the persecuted Church in Pakistan.