Christian Acquitted on 'Blasphemy' Charges - Compass Direct
On November 10, after eight and a half years in jail on unsubstantiated blasphemy charges, Pakistani Christian Ranjha Masih was acquitted today by the Lahore High Court. He was arrested in May 1998, during a funeral procession for former Catholic Bishop of Faisalabad, John Joseph. Masih was convicted and sentenced to life in prison by a district court in April 2003. At the end of a two-hour appeal hearing on the case, the Presiding Justice ruled that the lack of any solid evidence against Masih required him to issue a release. According to the Lahore-based Center for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement, the former hospital worker will be transferred to a secure, undisclosed location after his release. Give thanks to God for answered prayer and pray His continued protection for Ranjha Masih. 2 Timothy 4:18

Note:
Since last week's prayer update, additional details have been reported in the case of Australian teen Kaihana Hussain. While she continues to need prayer that she will know and live for Christ, it now appears that her case does not involve Christian persecution.
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"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.

Drunken Mob Vandalizes Church - Compass Direct
On November 12, armed and drunken Muslims struck two greeters at a Sunday evening service of a church outside Lahore. They returned later to pelt the building with stones and bricks. Ten men broke fluorescent lights and a cross on the outer gate of the Talab Sarai village Nazarene church. Pastor Rafiq Masih told the Center for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS) that the Muslim men began to hit greeters who had stopped them earlier from harassing Christian women. The congregation of about 40 families quickly came out of the church, halting the attackers. The Muslim men "had every intention to use the firearms," a CLAAS coordinator reported. Because the Christians didn't respond angrily, the situation did not get worse. Pray the witness of these believers will lead others to their loving Savior. Matthew 5:43-46

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"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.

Christian Couple Sentenced to Fifteen Years for Blasphemy - VOM sources
On November 26, two believers were sentenced to 15 years in prison and a fine of 25,000 rupees each for burning the Koran. On October 18, Boota and James Masih, a married couple, were asked to clean a Muslim family's store and burn the garbage when they finished. The two gathered all the garbage in a donkey cart and burned it outside the home. Some Muslim neighbors saw the burning and discovered Koranic papers in the fire. An angry mob gathered and planned to burn Christian homes and churches. Police controlled the mob by arresting James and Boota, even though they are illiterate and did not know the contents of the garbage. Ask the Lord to comfort and protect James and Boota in prison. Psalm 119:49-51

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"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.

Since last week's Prayer Update, VOM has more information regarding the case of Pakistani Christians, Buta and James Masih who were convicted of burning the Koran. James and Buta Masih are elderly men, not a married couple as previously reported. Sources now report they are being held in Faisalabad's Central Jail in isolation. Please continue to pray for them and their families.

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"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.

Evangelists Attacked by Taliban; One Killed; Two Injured - VOM Sources
On January 2, 2007, two evangelists working with Muslim converts in the dangerous Northern areas of Pakistan were attacked by the Taliban. One of the men was shot and killed instantly, two other Muslim friends were wounded and one escaped. The Taliban has since sent threatening calls to one of the evangelists. Since the police in this area favor the Taliban, pray for God's protection for these brothers and for healing for those wounded in the attack. Pray this situation will bring these Muslim brothers into fellowship with Jesus Christ. Also, pray God would comfort the family and friends of the brother who was killed, assuring them their loved one has received a crown no one can take away. Revelation 3:5,11

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"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.

Evangelists Beaten at Muslim Festival - VOM Sources
A team of Pakistani Christian evangelists supported by The Voice of the Martyrs was attacked and beaten Friday, January 26th, after handing out more than 13,000 Christian tracts at a Muslim festival in Pakpattan, Pakistan. Three members of the four-member team were roughed up by radical Muslims then taken to the police station where they were detained and questioned before being released. However, the fourth evangelist, the leader of the team, was badly beaten by a mob of more than 100 angry Muslims, who then dragged him through the crowd before taking him to the police station. He was beaten so severely that he reported blood in his urine and his stool. VOM contacts are taking him to a hospital for medical care. Pray for God's protection for these courageous believers. Ask God to heal their injuries and for the Holy Spirit to comfort their families during this difficult time. Hebrews 12:1-3, Psalm 107:20

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"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.

UPDATE - Christian Released from Prison after Six Years
On Friday, January 19, 2007, Shahbaz Kaka, was released from prison after serving six years of a life sentence. According to a statement issued by Justice Ejah Ahmad Chaudry (High Court Lahore), Shahbaz will spend a month under medical care and then return home. Shahbaz was arrested in June 2001, after he used the bathroom at a mosque. "Qari Rafique, the head of the mosque, asked him why he was using the toilet that was adjacent to the mosque. He quizzed Shahbaz on whether he was a Christian because he was wearing a cross around his neck," a VOM source said. The source added that after the conversation, Rafique initiated false allegations against Shahbaz. A complaint was made to the authorities stating Shahbaz disgraced the Quran by tearing pages out, cutting them into pieces and trampling them under his feet. Shahbaz was arrested and later charged with blasphemy. He was sentenced to life in prison in 2004. VOM rejoices with Shahbaz Kaka and his family at his release. Pray his testimony will cause Muslims in Pakistan to follow Christ. Ask God to protect and comfort Christians in Pakistan who face persecution.

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"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.

Muslim Radicals Introduce Anti-Christian Law; Christians Receive Threatening Letters – VOM Sources

The Voice of the Martyrs sources in Pakistan report that Muslim radicals have introduced a law in Parliament that any Muslim who converts to Christianity should be killed. Although the details are sketchy, intercede for this situation and ask God to move so this law does not go into effect. Pray God encourages Christians in Pakistan to be a witness for Him in spite of persecution.
CHARSADDA – On May 7, 2007, Christians in the Charsadda District received letters warning them to shut their churches and convert to Islam. The letter that set a 10-day deadline said, "All Christians should convert to Islam within 10 days or leave Charsadda. We will execute all of you if you don't convert to Islam." Copies of the handwritten letter were delivered to two churches and several Christian homes in Charsadda. Even though the police have been alerted, Christians in the area are concerned for their safety. A similar letter was delivered to believers in Mardan district. Pray God gives Christians in Charsadda courage to stand for Him. Ask for protection and peace to surround them during these uncertain times.
Deuteronomy 31:6

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"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.

Christian Literature Distribution at Muslim Festival - VOM Sources
The festival of "Imam Bari Sarkar" in which Muslims from all over Pakistan and neighboring countries participate, will be held from May 27 to 29. More than 350,000 people are expected to attend. There are plans to distribute more than 10,000 copies of Christian literature at the festival. Pray for the safety of team members and that God will use them for His glory. Psalm 32:7, Acts 1:7

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"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.

Five Christians Charged with Blasphemy – VOM Sources
Five Christians have been charged with blasphemy under Pakistan's blasphemy laws 295-A and 295-C, in Toba Tek Singh, Pakistan. Daniel, an 11-year-old Christian boy, refused to play with his Muslim friends, resulting in them beating him. When Daniel's family confronted the attackers, the Muslims called the police and made a false report saying they had blasphemed the name of the Holy Prophet. Now Daniel's family-Rashid Masih, Salamat Masih, Sahba Masih Motta, Bao Masih and Sheela Masih-is living under threat of attack by Muslim extremists. The Muslim family told other Muslims at a religious gathering that the Christians had disgraced the Holy Prophet, tore a holy sticker and beat it with a shoe. This has led to tension in the city. Christians in the area fear Muslim extremists will attack the family. There was fear there would be attacks during celebrations leading up to Easter Sunday. If convicted under blasphemy laws 295-A and 295-C, the family faces three years imprisonment, a fine and the death penalty, or life imprisonment and a fine. Pray God protects these believers and provides a way of escape for them. Psalm 41:2-3

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"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.

PAKISTAN: Armed Muslims Attack Christians in Pakistan – VOM Sources/ Compass Direct News
On June 17, 40 Muslim men armed with guns, axes and wooden sticks attacked several believers while they were preparing for an evangelistic meeting at a Salvation Army church in the village of Bismillahlpur Kanthan, near Faisalabad. Seven Christians were injured and the church was desecrated. Local Christians said the attack was sparked by their refusal to cancel the meeting. The night before the attack armed Muslims stormed the house of Sawar Masih, one of the meeting’s organizers, and assaulted his two young children and demanded he cancel the event. Christians injured in the June 17 attack were forced to leave the hospital early because the doctors under-reported their wounds due to pressure from the Islamic extremists. Police initially refused to file a complaint against the attackers and did not so only after lobbying efforts of Christians. Several Christians have fled the area in fear of further attacks. Pray for those hurt in the attacks. Ask God to encourage Christians in Pakistan to remain strong in their faith despite persecution. Romans 8:11, Psalm 107:20

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"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.

Christians Experiencing Hardship After Red Mosque Attack, Christian Attacked – VOM Sources
The Voice of the Martyrs has received information that Christians are experiencing increased hardships after the attacks at the Red Mosque last month. In an unrelated incident in July, a VOM contact, who is a Muslim convert; was attacked by three strangers while he was sleeping in a hotel room. Attackers tried to kill him, but God saved his life. He sustained some wounds to his body and they are healing. Pray this believer is protected from future attacks. Ask God to protect believers in Pakistan as they continue sharing the gospel, despite immense challenges. 1 Corinthians 15:57

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"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.

Religious Minorities Told to Convert or Die - VOM Sources
Christians in northern Pakistan have been receiving letters threatening them with death if they refuse to become Muslims. The Voice of the Martyrs' contacts in Pakistan report Peshawar's minorities are living in fear after receiving dozens of letters mailed to them in August. VOM contacts report, "There have been numerous threats sent to Peshawar's Kohati area. The letters say if we don't become Muslim we will be killed." Praise God it has only been threats so far. Pray God protects Christians in the area. Pray the testimony of believers in Pakistan will draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Jesus Christ. Psalm 27:1, Romans 8:31

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"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.

Pakistani Jail Officials Beat Christian, Halt Bible Classes – Compass Direct News
Pakistani officials have stopped all Bible classes for Christian prisoners in a Punjab jail, isolating an inmate who taught the classes and barring a local pastor from his weekly visits. Compass Direct News reports, "Protestant Pastor Munir Phool has been refused entry to Kasur city's district jail for his weekly visits since June 25, when Catholic prisoner Dil Awaiz was put in a high-security cell and tortured. Awaiz told Phool that Muslim inmates became angry when a Christian prisoner drank from one of their water glasses. The authorities retaliated by forcing the Christian prisoner to drink out of a glass used for cleaning toilets. Later, the authorities had Awaiz beaten and thrown in a high-security cell and deprived contact with other Christian prisoners." Pray for a speedy recovery for Awaiz and for Christians in Pakistan. Exodus 15:26, Isaiah 40:31

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"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.