persecuted church
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"Beloved, do not be surprised at
the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though some- thing strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed." ~ 1 Peter 4:12-13?ESV
TOGO: Pastors Targeted by Militant Islamists
Source: The Voice of the Martyrs?USA
Multiple pastors in northern Togo have encountered persecution from militant Islamic groups crossing over from neighbouring countries. In April 2024, assailants attacked a village where Pastor Gbendja F¨¦lidja had been serving. While the pastor and several villagers
were able to flee to safety, five people were killed during the violent raid. The Christian leader eventually returned to the village that summer and resumed his ministry activities in the community. On February 7th, however, armed militants invaded the village
once again; this time, they forcefully entered Pastor Gbendja's home. During the invasion, the church leader was tragically shot and then stabbed to death, leaving behind seven adult children.
Another pastor in the same region continues to minister despite receiving ongoing threats within his community. For the past three years, Pastor Patrice Kokouvi's crops have been repeatedly destroyed by opposing villagers. When asked if he had reported the
damages to the police, Pastor Patrice replied, "If I go to the court system, perhaps [the villagers] will never want to know Jesus." Even though he still faithfully serves the community, this pastor is now residing on the outskirts of the village for the safety
of his family.
PAKISTAN: Christian Man Charged for Alleged Facebook Posts
Sources: Pakistan Christian Post, Morning Star News
On March 17th, Pakistani federal agents took 24-year-old Arsalan Gill into custody on accusations of blasphemy. The charges allege that the Christian believer was responsible for sharing blasphemous content in Facebook groups. His arrest takes place amid a
rising number of cases involving entrapment, whereby organized militant groups specifically target members of the country's religious minorities.
Arsalan was arrested when he returned home from his job as a sweeper in Mughalpura, Lahore. The young man's family members were able to speak with him briefly the next day. During one of the conversations, Arsalan explained to his brother Suleman that an unknown
person had added him to two Facebook groups without his knowledge, and that he had no idea what type of content was shared on those pages.
Religious rights advocates believe that the accused follower of Jesus is most likely another victim of organized groups that are deliberately deceiving Christians in order to have them charged with blasphemy. (More information
about this concerning trend is .)
Pastor Imran Amanat with?LEAD?Ministries Pakistan has issued a warning to the country's Christian youth, advising them to exercise extreme caution when using social media platforms such as Facebook or WhatsApp. "These platforms
have become fertile grounds for malicious individuals to exploit unsuspecting victims, particularly young Christians, and trap them in false blasphemy cases," he cautioned. To review other reports addressing the challenges facing Christians in Pakistan, go
to our .
REPORT UPDATE
PAKISTAN: Guilty Verdict for Christian's Killer
Sources: Morning Star News,?ICR?Canada
On November 9th, 2023, a follower of Jesus named Farhan Ul Qamar was killed in his family's home by a man who is well-known in the community for his hatred towards Christians and Jews. It is believed that the violence may
have been instigated by a minor disagreement that took place the day before the attack. (For more details on the incident, see
.)
In the months following the murder, Farhan's family faced repeated threats to drop all charges against the perpetrator, Muhammad Zubair. This Muslim man is a known repeated offender who has long evaded justice due to his family's influential status.
On March 27th, more than a year after Farhan's death, a judge in Pasrur, Punjab, found the accused guilty of murder. The conviction is considered a rare occurrence, since crimes against Christians are frequently neglected in Pakistan. Muhammad was sentenced
with the death penalty, along with a fine that is equivalent to about $2,500?CAD. As the convicted man was being led from the court room, he showed no remorse. Rather, he hurled threats at Farhan's family, declaring that they would never be allowed to live
in peace.
It is expected that Muhammad will appeal the sentence, and that the appeal process may take several years. The lawyer for Farhan's family, Lazar Allah Rakha, anticipates that pressure will be put on the victim's family to pardon the accused. In light of these
concerns, he is calling for the police to maintain added security measures.
Following the court ruling, some human rights advocates described this case as a significant milestone in the fight for justice on behalf of persecuted Christians in Pakistan. However, followers of Jesus throughout the country
continue to suffer violence and injustices for their faith. Previously published reports on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan may be reviewed at our
.
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