Christians are more free, but violence continues

Pakistan (MNN) — As the war on terror continues around the world, Pakistan has been has been one of the countries drawing the world’s attention. Many believe Osama Bin Laden is hiding in that predominately Muslim nation.

These world events aren’t stopping Strategic World Impact from ministry. SWI’s Kevin Turner says they’re building a school in Toba Tek Singh. “They have very little access to education here and if they do get educated, especially through the government schools, it’s compulsory that they learn Islam as well. So, it’s a great opportunity for a lot of the Christians to get an education that’s Christ-centered.”

Turner says Pakistan isn’t an area that’s free of anti-Christian sentiment. “This is the area where a Christian man was beaten to death over three days for taking a drink from a Muslim water tap.”

While blasphemy laws have made religious freedom difficult, Turner says the situation’s actually improved. “Christians have never had it better. They’ve never had more freedom because (President Pervez) Musharraf is not afraid to stand up against the Islamic religious leaders of the country. And so, it’s really actually working out quite well for believers here, relatively speaking.”

With that said, the school construction project continues and Turner says they still need $9,000 to finish the school, which will be a bright spot in the community. “I just want to let people know as well that we’re using this also as an opportunity to educate poor Muslims and Hindus that want to attend the school and by this we use it as a means of outreach to show them the love of Christ.”

SWI is preaching the Gospel while there in Pakistan. Turner says, “We have seen Muslims, Hindus and nominal Christians actually born again. It’s a wonderful opportunity to seize the day and stand on the ground of the Gospel.”

You can help Strategic World Impact at; P.O. Box 3037, Bartlesville, OK 74006 or call them at (918) 336-8400.