Hundreds of Christian families have returned to their homes in Pakistan after threats of mob violence forced them to flee last month.
On 27 December, hundreds of Christian families fled the Charar neighbourhood of Lahore after a local pastor’s faith-based social media post was deemed offensive by Muslims.
“Pastor Raja Waris published a faith-based post on Facebook on 22 December which Muslims claimed hurt their religious sentiments,” Saleem Khokhar, a Christian from Charar said.
“The pastor apologised for the post and the issue was resolved the next day.”
Even though the issue was resolved, a mob of hundreds of Muslims began protesting against the Christians of Charar. According to locals, the mob demanded that Pastor Waris be beheaded for publishing the offending post.
“The situation turned dangerous when someone found out the Muslims were planning to set fire to the houses of Christians,” Khokhar reported. “This forced the Christians to flee the neighbourhood.”
On 28 December, Pastor Waris was handed over to police custody, where he remains.
Police have been deployed to Charar to keep any protest from turning violent. The police presence so far has been able to keep the peace and many of the Christian families that fled have returned to their homes. Rumours of mob violence remain, but police authorities have assured local Christians that they will protect the community.
Sources: International Christian Concern, Christian Post
- Pray for the protection of Pastor Waris, his family and the community.
- Ask the Lord to strengthen and uphold Pastor Waris as he endures this difficult and uncertain time.
- Pray that the apology will be sufficient. Ask for Pastor Waris’s release.
Post your prayer in the comments below.
Lord, we pray that Pastor Waris & all believers will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit. That they will be at peace within and be witnesses of your love. Place your angels around them so they will be protected. May all their needs be met.
Lord please protect Pastor Waris and his family and all christians in this community from any further harm from the muslims and those in charge. May you strengthen Pastor Waris and may you perfect peace help him during this difficult time. May you perform a miracle and get him releases from police custody. Whilst he is there though Lord may you use him mightily to be a witness to the police,so they can find salvation in you too. In your mighty, glorious name we pray
God of the Nations, ruler over all peoples, we plead with you fro the millions of lost souls in the nation of Pakistan. Bring your Gospel faithfully to this nation that they might be freed from the oppression of the evil one and delivered from the guilt of their own sin. We pray for the protection of Pastor Waris, his family and 100s of others like him and the wider Christian community. Strengthen and uphold them and especially Pastor Waris as he endures this difficult and uncertain time in custody of the Police. We pray for the witness of Pastor Waris and even for his release. Grant him grace and mercy to continue his work in the name of Jesus.