With the increasing frequency of persecution against Christians around the world, it is not often that we hear good endings to the stories of those who suffer. But today is different. Today, we have a reason to celebrate. Today a story has emerged that offers a reminder of the grace and love of God. And today this story comes from Pakistan.
Read the story here.
One and a half years ago a Christian woman in Pakistan was beaten and imprisoned, charged with "blasphemy" against the prophet Muhammed and against the religion of Islam. On a typical work day, as she was laboring in the fields, she was accosted by several Muslim women and dragged to a mosque, where men beat her in an attempt to force her to convert to Islam. When she refused she was thrown into prison without a trial, without a jury, without ever being allowed to make a statement. She was placed on death row, sentenced to die by hanging for her alleged crimes. And all this time, undoubtedly, she prayed. Her family prayed. People all around the world prayed.
And God listened.
Yesterday, November 22, 2010, Asia Bibi was pardoned by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, after the woman pleaded for release, stating, "I have small children. For God's sake, please set me free." And set free she was. She was released and moved to an unknown location. But she is free.
The ordeal is not over, though. Though Bibi has been spared this time, there will likely be another time when she is falsely accused, when she is targeted for her faith. Please continue to pray for her and her family, her husband and their children. Pray that they will be protected from evil and one day allowed to follow Christ freely, without the fear of persecution.
And pray for the country of Pakistan. Their blasphemy laws are often abused. Muslim men and women use them to settle grudges against Christians, like in the Asia Bibi's case. They get mad at a Christian and accuse them of speaking out against Muhammed and then things get ugly. Pray that God would intervene and change the hearts of Pakistani leaders.
It is often difficult for us, as Christians in America, to imagine the trials that Christians in other places have to endure. But let us consider today what life is like for believers in Pakistan and North Korea and Saudi Arabia. And let us pray. They are part of the body of Christ, our brothers and sisters.
Put yourself in their shoes.
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