Photos by Reuters
Pakistan (MNN) ― Parliamentary elections went ahead Monday in Pakistan, amidst high security and building tensions. Spasms of violence surrounded the run up to the polling--a consideration that adds to the unease of what could happen when the results are announced.
The Parliamentary vote was to have been held early January, but it was delayed because of politician Benazir Bhutto's assassination.
Voice of the Martyrs' Todd Nettleton says, "There's a very real concern that the situation and the stability of the nation, as a whole, could degenerate into a war zone. That's a big issue for prayer among Christians around the world, because if there is no stability, that will affect the church in negative ways."
Christians currently face severe opposition from militant Islamic groups. The war in Afghanistan intensified problems, with Pakistani Christians seen as being a part of an attack on Islam.
In some areas, the rule of Islamic law is already being pressed against Christians. According to Compass Direct News, many have suffered from the growth of radical Islam in recent weeks. The deaths of three Christians in the northern valley of Swat, where fanatics have enforced radical Islamic law since July, sent fear through the area's tiny Christian community.
Nettleton says because that could grow with a sympathetic government, believers are on their knees. "Pray for God's will in the elections. Pray that the government that takes power will look out for the Christians, will protect their right to worship, will protect their right to change religions, will protect their right to conversion. I think we can pray for the believers there that they will continue to be a witness."
