Pakistan: Forced Conversions and Torture

Muslim extremists in Pakistan abducted Azam Masih, 28, and his younger brother Nadeem and tortured them into reciting the Kalima creed for conversion to Islam by beating them with metal rods.

Police have arrested a Muslim cleric for conducting the conversion, as well as Naseem Shah and Sunny Shah, known criminals involved in other hatred acts against Christians. Fearful of further violence, the impoverished Masih family has gone into hiding rather than testify.

The incident in Sialkot District comes on the heels of violence called for by cries from mosque loudspeakers in Jaranwala, also in Punjab Province, where thousands of Muslims went on a rampage, burning nearly 20 churches and 90 Christian homes, and damaging another 400. Since then, several other attempts to stir up violence in the area include Muslims ripping pages from the Quran and tossing them in front of Christian homes.

Pakistan ranks seventh on the World Watchlist of most dangerous countries in the world for Christians. As general elections approach February 8, Christians have been pressing candidates for legislation against forced conversions. (Morning Star News, February 1)

Lord, we ask You, please, to be a Shield around the Masih family. Protect them and every Christian in Punjab and all of Pakistan from persecution and harm. Heal Azam and Nadeem’s wounds, as well as their hearts and minds. Give them courage to both forgive their enemies and step forward to testify, so these and other extremists will stop their violent acts against innocent people. Invade the Muslim cleric’s dreams and give him visions of Jesus calling him to repent and be saved. Strike him with fear of the Lord and bring him to his knees in repentance. Then use him to share Your truth such that entire families and communities come to Christ. We ask the same for Naseem, Sunny and every Muslim in all of Pakistan. Awaken them to Your love, O One True God, for they know You not. In Your name, they kill, steal and destroy. But You sent Your Son to give them LIFE. Set them free from the demons that keep them in bondage. Loose the chains that lock them into violent, murderous thoughts against Your people. Pour out Your blessings over Christians in such abundant measures, filling them with love, joy, peace and all the fruit of the Spirit, and setting their tables with abundant food, miraculously multiplied despite their poverty caused by discrimination. Give Christians joy to share food and do other kind acts for their Muslim neighbors, shining Your love and showing then who You truly are. Make a way for Your Good News to enter every community and home, so every heart in all of Pakistan will have the opportunity to know You. Lift the veil from the eyes of the lost so they will at last see You as the One they’ve been longing for. Break the chains of Islam and the demons who bind them to hatred, religion, fear and lies. Give them a hunger for You and courage to believe Truth. Make the way for the Bible to be translated into all their many languages, so every one of Pakistan’s more than 828 unreached people groups will no longer live in darkness. As elections approach, we ask You, Lord, for leaders who will open the way for freedom from persecution, who will seek justice and make right and good decisions, putting into effect legislation that halts forced conversions and stops the violence and evil. Give elected leaders open ears to hear Your voice leading them to do what is right, and open minds to make the way for religious freedom. Meet every candidate in their dreams, and speak to them throughout the day in visions. Give them such fear of the Lord they will each seek You with all their hearts and finally believe. Open the way, even now, O God, for a church planting movement to spread all throughout Pakistan, overcoming violence with grace, hatred with love, death with new life, and lies with Truth. Yes, Lord, awaken all of Pakistan to You. Don’t let even one more person die without knowing Your plan of salvation. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.

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