PERSECUTION PERSISTS IN PAKISTAN

By Sandi Roach

            Christians were never promised a bed of roses – we were promised a relationship with the Lord where He would never leave us or forsake us.  We were promised eternal life – we were promised that there would be no temptation where He would not provide a means to escape.  The list of promises goes on and on, but the reality of all of our existence here on earth as aliens is that we are here to bring glory to God and to be available to do His will and serve His purposes.

            Periodically throughout the history of the United States we have seen evidences of Christian persecution – church burning, Columbine, and the Methodist Pastor who was beaten to death and burned in Tennessee.  These events, however, are few and far between and tend to grow fuzzy in the minds of Americans.  In many parts of the world, however, severe persecution is a daily event.  The faith of the Christians in the Muslim world is put to the test regularly.  Our new partner in the Pakistan has great faith, but is also prudent in being cautious of where and when the Lord wants him to speak. 

            We can’t understand the brutality – we see images, but because they are not personal to us we are not as moved as we would be if this was our family or friends.  Harvesters seeks to share the stories of the life of our partners with our supporters that you may be able to relate to the challenges they have in sharing the Gospel in the areas where the Lord has called them.  Below you will find links to three different articles of persecution in Pakistan.  These particular events do not involve our partner, but are concerns that we share with our Pakistani pastor regarding the escalation of persecution in that country.  Christ’s light needs to shine on more people that they may be free from the darkness.  Please pray with us for protection, perseverance, fruit and blessing for those working in Pakistan.

http://www.christiannewstoday.com/Christian_News_Report_464.html

http://www.christiannewstoday.com/Christian_News_Report_451.html

http://www.christiannewstoday.com/Christian_News_Report_447.html

2 Timothy 3:11-13 (King James Version)

 ¹¹Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all, the Lord delivered me.  ¹²Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.  ¹³But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.