International (MNN) — Laws against blasphemy exist in parts of every region of the world, including Europe. They vary in severity, but they all put added weight on gospel ministry.
In Pakistan, for example, Christians know one wrong step could lead to a charge of blasphemy against Islam. Such accusations result in mob violence, imprisonment, long legal battles or worse, with little protection. Just last month, four people were sentenced to death under these laws.
“It’s a huge challenge for our partners in places like Iran and Mauritania, Afghanistan [and] Pakistan, because the punishment of blasphemy in those countries is death,” says Greg Kelley with Unknown Nations.
Pakistan courts have issued many death sentences for blasphemy, even when evidence is scanty. But so far it has never carried one out. Often, vigilante justice from Pakistan’s majority Muslim population keeps things out of the courts entirely. Kelley says minority Christian villages can quickly become targets.
“In one case, recently, over 20 churches were burnt down, houses destroyed, people’s vehicles and motorcycles torched, police standing by allowing it to happen,” he says.
Yet Christ stands with His people in every injustice. He even saves others through their witness.
“One of the main differences between Islam and Christianity is Jesus said, ‘The world’s going to hate you, but be encouraged because they hated Me before they hated you — and furthermore, love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you,’” says Kelley. (See John 15:18–19 and Luke 6:27–28.)
“That’s the the Christian message, and that softens the heart — the Holy Spirit uses that to soften the heart of the most radical.”
Now that you know more, please pray for gospel advance where blasphemy laws rule. Pray the Christians will faithfully endure through terrible circumstances. Then, learn more.
“As the body of Christ, we need to be praying. We need to understand these issues. We need to educate ourselves about what’s going on in these countries [where] if you share the gospel that we take so freely here in the US, you literally could be killed,” says Kelley.
To understand more and pray for persecuted Christians around the world, connect with coverage by Morning Star News ands persecution.org.
Finally, pray also for resources to build up the local churches. Kelley says, “Training is critical in [these] parts of the world, especially the leaders, to give them opportunities to grow and strengthen in their faith.”
Learn more here about how Unknown Nations comes alongside believers under fire.
Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Abyan Athif/Unsplash.
