Pakistan (MNN) — When an attack fades from headlines or is overtaken by newer stories, what happens to the survivors?
It has been two years since the Jaranwala attacks on Christians in Pakistan. An angry mob, incited by an unverified accusation that two believers had desecrated the Qur’an, unleashed a wave of destruction. Twenty-six churches and dozens of Christian homes were burned. As many as 6,000 attackers divided the lives of local Christians into two parts: before — filled with dreams and hope, and after — defined by trauma, loss, and shattered plans.
Greg Musselman from The Voice of the Martyrs Canada explains:
“There are still deep-seated tensions in this community, and the Christian community has been traumatized.”
Photo courtesy of Gül Işık via Pexels
Javid and Samina, who was pregnant at the time, managed to escape. Their daughters fled barefoot and without head coverings, rescued by a rickshaw driver who risked everything to help them escape the violent mob.
Forty-year-old Sobia still struggles to speak about those events that left her, her husband, and their two children homeless. Less than a year later, her husband tragically passed away. Another story, Rizwan, his wife and five children, saw their home reduced to ashes.
Shafiq and his family, who had tried to calm the situation, now live in a half-burned house. Musselman says: “He has forgiven those who caused the Christian community so much pain, but admits it hasn’t been easy. He says the Bible teaches that it is God who judges and not humans.”
Some believers remain homeless. Others live in homes that are only partially rebuilt, or they mourn the loss of everything — even their pets. The falsely accused brothers and their father remain in hiding. For many believers, forgiveness and the rebuilding of hope are ongoing struggles. Pastors are encouraging them with stories from the Bible, like Daniel in the lions’ den and other examples of faith under persecution.
“The mob destroyed many Christian homes, but not their relationship with Jesus!” says Musselman.
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, along with local partners in Pakistan, including Trust Pakistan, is helping Christian families rebuild their homes and lives.
Please pray for the healing of the Jaranwala believers, and for a new chapter to begin in their community.
Header photo courtesy of Anees Ur Rehman via Unsplash.
