Marilyn Asif, along with her four young children, has had to flee for safety after her husband Asif Pervaiz was sentenced to death for blasphemy.
Asif, 37, has already spent seven years in jail after a blasphemy case was filed against him in 2013. He was given the death penalty on 8 September.
The case against Asif was brought after the Christian refused to take part in Muslim prayers at his factory or convert to Islam.
Asif lost his phone, which was later used to send a so-called blasphemous text message to his supervisor at work. Asif believes the text was actually sent by his accuser to incriminate him.
Asif’s wife is fearful for the safety of her children.
The case has echoes of that of Asia Bibi, who languished in jail for eight years awaiting the death penalty before her lawyer had the case thrown out by the Supreme Court. A price was put on Asia Bibi’s head and her family were driven into hiding.
After the Supreme Court overturned the verdict, mobs brought cities to a standstill, calling for the army to mutiny and overthrow the government. After Asia was released, she and her family had to leave the country.
Asif has the same lawyer as Asia, Saif ul Malook, a Muslim who risks his life to defend Christians.
VOM’s ministry partner Release International is helping Asif and his family.
Source: Release International
- Pray the Lord’s protection will be upon Asif, Marylin and their children. Pray they will see the Lord’s merciful hand at work in their daily lives so that they will not despair but continue to trust in Him during this trying time.
- Praise God for the courage and kindness of Saif ul Malook. Ask the Lord to provide him with immeasurable spiritual blessing. Pray too for favour and wisdom as he defends Asif.
- Pray the nation of Pakistan will bring change to its notorious blasphemy laws and guard against injustice.
Post your prayer in the comments below.
Dear Lord Jesus. I ask for your protection over Asif Marylin and there children. I cover them in the powerful blood of Jesus.
I also ask for your mercy daily hourly over all of this family. May you encourage them and comfort them and not to despair but to look to you.
I also give you thanks for Saif ul Malook may you provide him with unmeasurable as spiritual blessing in your Holy Spirit.
We pray for Pakistan that the Laws wil change and injustice will bow to the Name of Jesus. In the name above everything I plead for your people .Lord Jesus. Amen
For Asif Pervaiz, his wife Marilyn Asif, along with their four young children – Gracious and loving Lord Jesus, thank you for my sister’s prayers above and may I add my hearty ‘amens’ and thankfulness that you hear and answer our prayers as soon as we pray them. Have mercy Lord Jesus on your servant and strengthen his faith and the faith of those around him.