Pakistan: Hindu Believer Harassed

Christians who have left Hinduism and accepted Christ have been harassed, verbally abused and beaten by Muslims in Pakistan, according to VOM contacts.

On Sept. 11, 2009, “Mahir,” a VOM contact in Pakistan, distributed 200 VOM Action Packs, 200 Triumphant Church books and 55 New Testaments to Hindu tribal people in Pakistan. That day, five Hindus were baptized in a water tube that supplies water to nearby fields. “On the same evening, 15 fanatic Muslims, including Muhammad Akram Muhammad Aslam, Muhammad Nadeem and their fellows came to Mahir and verbally abused her and stopped her visiting this village,” VOM contacts said. [The Muslims] said, “You used our water supply system to give a bath to your Christians. Now that water is unholy; our crops and fields will be destroyed.”

Later that night, the Muslims visited Kishan, a Hindu background Christian, and threatened him. They said, “If you want to convert, you should choose Islam. This way you could get some gifts as well, but why did you convert to Christianity?”

Kishan shared his testimony with the Muslim men and told them the wonderful changes Christ had brought to his life. “For four years my daughter Aster was demon possessed; everybody knows that many times she was in a critical situation,” he told them. “I met with Mahir for three months, from June to August 2009. She prayed for my daughter Aster, and she received healing. This healing led my family to Jesus Christ. Aster received water baptism as well. We were in the dark, but now we are in the light because Jesus Christ is our savior who healed my daughter.”

The men did not harm Kishan, but Muslim extremists later attacked and beat Kishan’s son “Hassan.” The Muslims threatened Hassan, saying, “Islam is the only option you have to convert. Why did you choose to accept Christianity? Get lost from here; otherwise we will burn you and your house.” Following the attack, Hassan responded, “We found a new life in Jesus Christ, we cannot deny him, and we are ready to sacrifice anything.”

Kishan’s testimony touched the heart of a fanatic who was one of the persecutors. “‘Bashir’ and his family are seekers, and they have accepted Jesus Christ and have secretly been praying for their faith to grow strong,” VOM contacts said.

Praise God for the strong faith of these believers in the face of persecution. Pray that God will give them boldness to continue serving him and sharing their testimony. Praise God for Mahir’s faithfulness, and pray for her protection.