Update on Pakistani Christians
September 21st, 2011 by Sean
A little over a year ago brothers Sajid and Rashid Emmanuel were martyred by Muslim extremists in Pakistan. (Click here to read about our relationship with the Emmanuel brothers). Just the other day I heard new information on the work still happening in Pakistan from a brother of these courageous heroes, a man named Vaster Saajan. He recently wrote and told me he was praying for us. Imagine that! He’s living in extremely difficult circumstances and he’s praying for us! He asked us to pray for him because his family is still receiving threats regularly. Just last month an unknown caller threatened them. What was their response? Did they tuck tail and run? No. They decided to stay and continue the work of the ministry. In fact Vaster’s mother, who has already lost two of her sons to martyrdom, told him “go and spread the true word of God.” Wow! What a woman of God! They are continuing to distribute Bibles in one of the most Muslim countries in the world in full faith that God’s will is being done in Pakistan. Please pray for brother Vaster Saajan and the fellow Pakistani believers in the One God and coming kingdom of the Messiah.
And what other examples shall I give?
There is simply not time to continue by telling the stories of Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jeptha; of David, Samuel and the prophets. Through their faith these men conquered kingdoms, ruled in justice and proved the truth of God’s promises. They shut the mouths of lions, they quenched the furious blaze of fire, they escaped from death itself. From being weaklings they became strong men and mighty warriors; they routed whole armies of foreigners. Some returned to their womenfolk from certain death, while others were tortured and refused to be ransomed, because they wanted to deserve a more honourable resurrection in the world to come. Others were exposed to the test of public mockery and flogging, and to the torture of being left bound in prison. They were killed by stoning, by being sawn in two; they were tempted by specious promises of release and then were killed with the sword. Many became refugees with nothing but sheepskins or goatskins to cover them.
They lost everything and yet were spurned and ill-treated by a world that was too evil to see their worth.
They lived as vagrants in the desert, on the mountains, or in caves or holes in the ground.
All these won a glowing testimony to their faith, but they did not then and there receive the fulfilment of the promise. God had something better planned for our day, and it was not his plan that they should reach perfection without us. Heb 11.32-40
Xavier, I agree and accept what is expected when one follows strongly of their faith it goes along with the territory. But as you say these courageous heroes of faith are not alone and in the day of YHWH they will be given their due for their dedication and love for YHWH Our Righteousness and the only Savior, and for his holy mission to bring us a new kingdom. Stay strong our brethrens in Pakistan we are all with you in spirit and heart, so much war and hate, and death over one’s faith no matter how peaceful you try to be. I really hate it but are there any other alternatives? It is so ironic. Peace and Praise to YHWH.
Praise God,that we have a knowledge of these people,but we can pray for them.Iask for bolnness LORD and tendernss of heart that your word reaches those who hunger and thirst in Christ Jesus name
George,
I would like to say a huge “AMEN” to that prayer… 🙂
Tomorrow would have been the Pastor’s birthday…any updates Sean?
I haven’t heard anything
Sean
Too bad.
I was reminiscing…Pastor Rashid died in the manner of the many other martyrs before him. Feb. 2nd would have been his birthday.
Let’s honor his memory and that of the many others by walking as Jesus and his Apostles walked, in truth and love.