Pakistan (MNN) — Persecution against Christians in Pakistan has increased over the past 20 years. Many Christians have fled, leading to a declining Christian population in the country.
Nehemiah with FMI says things took a bad turn after the 9/11 attacks. “There is a misconception or taboo in Pakistan among Muslims. They think that every American or Europe is a Christian and that they’re a spy for the United States.”
France cartoon controversy
For example, France has suffered a rash of brutal murders by Islamic extremists in October of last year. One teacher was attacked for showing cartoons of the prophet Mohammed during a class.
Nehemiah says the outrage over these cartoons spread to Pakistan, where Muslims blamed local Christians. But Christians in Pakistan have nothing to do with cartoons in France. Nehemiah says, “Christians living in Pakistan were easy targets for Muslims because Muslims were trying to release their aggression towards Christians.”
How to pray
This persecution intensifies whenever something perceived as against Islam happens in the world, says Nehemiah. “Pray for our partners who are serving with FMI in Pakistan in this hard and difficult situation. They’re thriving, their ministry is thriving. We pray and we encourage all the listeners to pray for FMI partners who are serving in this condition.”
And ask God to give Pakistani Christians safety as they face constant threats.
The header photo shows a memorial gathering for the French teacher killed last year for showing cartoons of the prophet Mohammed. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain)
