The following is courtesy of Mission Network News.
International (MNN) ?Authorities are preparing for the possibility of retaliatory attacks from extremists with links to al-Qaeda following the death of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.
Terrorism analysts also warned the death of bin Laden had the potential for more violence. While his death represents a symbolic victory, it is not an end to the ideology espoused by bin Laden.
Specifically, Christians in places like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Turkey and similar countries are vulnerable. Todd Nettleton with Voice of the Martyrs says, "We're particularly concerned for our Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan that, somehow, they could be caught up in a reprisal attack that was designed to get back at the Americans for this strike against Osama bin Laden."
Many of them have already been preyed upon by the militants, or were targeted after the U.S. attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nettleton says, "For our staff, we particularly want to be careful right now. We want to be hyper aware of what's going on around us from a security standpoint."
Islamic extremists in Pakistan and members of the Taliban declare Christians "infidels." Nettleton explains, "You have all of these many al Qaeda groups around the world who would say, ‘We're loyal to al Qaeda. We want the same things they want.'" And since they view Christianity as a Western religion, any connection at all to Christianity, NATO or Western countries poses a significant risk. Security is a concern, Nettleton admits. The future is uncertain. "What happens now? Are there some bigger attacks than we've seen over the last year or so [where] they say, ‘We're striking back because our leader has been taken down?'"
Yet the Gospel is moving forward in many parts of the Middle East and North Africa. One of the phenomena regularly shared in this region are visions and dreams of Christ. It's because of this that the remnant church in this region has the confidence to be bold in their response. "One of the amazing things about the people that Voice of the Martyrs works with around the world is their incredible courage to love their enemies," says Nettleton. "These radical Muslims would identify themselves as enemies of the Christian. Yet, Christians are going into those areas. They are sharing the Gospel; they are talking about Jesus Christ."
However, for believers in areas like Pakistan, scrutiny can be deadly. Prior to bin Laden's death, key Christian leaders or those who were sympathetic to religious freedom were struck down in high profile murders. Pray safety for believers here. hey are more determined than ever to share the peace of Christ with the militant,s says Nettleton. "We can pray that they can be reached with the Gospel message during this time, and that they can grab a hold of the truth when they're presented with it. Pray for those that are doing outreach in the Muslim areas, that they would have the boldness to share the Gospel."