Support and Strengthen People Oppressed for their Faith

I have noticed, sadly, an uptick in persecution news out of Pakistan — No. 7 on the Open Doors 2024 World Watch List.

Christianity Today (CT) reported a recent example:

“Two Christian Pakistani teenagers, one 18 and another 14, were arrested in their homes in Lahore [last year] on charges of blasphemy after a policeman claimed he heard them being disrespectful of the Prophet Muhammad.”

Clearly age doesn’t matter ... nor the truth, many times ... when it comes to “blasphemy” accusations in Pakistan and other Islamist nations.

“The father of one of the arrested teenagers [said], ‘Our Muslim neighbors have known us for years, and they know we would never indulge in anything that could hurt their religious sentiments.’”

Regarding the majority-Muslim country, CT writes: “Pakistan has the strictest blasphemy laws. People jailed under these laws risk a sentence of life in prison and worse still, even death. Christians and other religious minorities make up a mere 4 percent of Pakistan’s population, but they account for about half of blasphemy charges.”

Freedom of speech? Nonexistent in Pakistan.

The pursuit of truth — of justice? Judges and their decisions in Pakistani courtrooms are often biased and unfair.

Where radical Islam has a strong foothold, persecution of Christians and other believers runs rampant. I encourage you to pray for these two teenagers and their families ...

And to give generously today, knowing that Liberty Relief International exists to support, strengthen, and bring relief to Christians in Pakistan and elsewhere.

Our Christ-centered relief partners in nations around the globe tangibly represent the love and compassion of our Savior when life is uncertain and persecution is ongoing ...

Your generosity goes a long way in providing emergency aid like safe shelter, food, and water when needed … spiritual and emotional support like counseling … practical help like job skills and literacy training for those who have been displaced by civil unrest or targeted violence … the distribution of Bibles and discipleship materials to strengthen believers in their faith … and so much more.

Please reach out to suffering families like those in Pakistan today.

Your compassion does not go unnoticed ... by LRI or by the Lord!

Mat Staver

*Representative names and photos used for security reasons.