Pakistan (MNN) — On Monday, May 27, more than 35 men attacked an FMI-supported pastor, his wife, and his college-aged daughter in his home. FMI’s Bruce Allen says Pastor Aziz was targeted to prevent his fruitful Gospel ministry from continuing.
The attack caught Pastor Aziz and his family off guard. Fortunately, a police officer was walking along the street and saw the men break into Pastor Aziz’s house. The officer and his reinforcements rescued the family from their attackers.
Pastor Aziz, his wife, and their daughter escaped with minor injuries, though they only have the clothes on their backs. They are now homeless as the attackers seized Pastor Aziz’s property.
Allen believes Pastor Aziz was targeted because of his Muslim background and the fact he has a thriving ministry making God’s truth known among local Muslims.
Pakistani flag (Photo courtesy of FMI)
“Pastor Aziz, who himself had come out of a Muslim background, has been evangelizing and church planting in the province of Balochistan,” Allen says.
In Balochistan, Pastor Aziz planted three churches and has outpost ministries along the Iranian border.
“These Muslim militants want to see that stopped. But we are very glad that he is alive and he is determined to continue his ministry, even though he now has no home,” Allen says.
Hope Despite Terror
Despite the potential damage this attack could have caused, Allen reports Pastor Aziz’s congregations and ministries have not been put at risk. However, this is the third attack he has suffered this year, though it is the first to happen at his home. Furthermore, this particular attack stirs up traumatic memories from the past.
“More than 15 years ago, he has a son who was five-years-old who was kidnapped, again, because of the family’s faith in Jesus Christ. And Aziz and Ruhab have never seen him since.
“They know the personal loss and what the cost is of following Jesus Christ in Pakistan. [It] doesn’t make it easier, but when a situation like this occurs, it brings past traumas up to the surface. So, we want to pray for their emotional healing,” Allen explains.
“Aziz has considered that all of his belong[ings] are lost to him, but he fully understands he is not lost to God. Even though he has been crying on the phone as he pours out his heart…Aziz’s spirits remain high.”
Pray for God’s protection of Pastor Aziz, his family, and his congregation. Pray for their physical and emotional healing. Also, pray this situation would become an opportunity for Pastor Aziz’s churches to care for and serve their pastor. Ask God to protect and bless the homes which host Pastor Aziz as he and his family rebuild.
Want to help Pastor Aziz and his family rebuild? Then consider giving through FMI’s Tangible Resources account to help purchase clothes, household items, and other necessities this family needs.
To give to FMI’s Tangible Resources and support Pastor Aziz, click here.
Header photo courtesy of FMI.
