“October of 2017, this highly influential and strategically placed ministry leader inside Pakistan was falsely charged with blasphemy, which in Pakistan is a capital offense. Had he been convicted of those charges, even though they were false, he could have been executed.”

Leaving Pakistan

Ahmed’s bloody shirt from attack in court at a blasphemy trial in Pakistan on April 2018. (Photo Courtesy FMI)

Islamic religious edicts, called fatwas, are still in place calling for Ahmed’s death. Anyone who acts under these fatwas acts with impunity. Ahmed is legally cleared of the blasphemy charges, but his life remains in danger. However, earlier this month Ahmed and his family landed in the United States for a temporary relocation. The purpose for Ahmed and his family’s relocation is to give time for those hunting him in Pakistan to lose interest in his situation.

Still, this relocation takes resources and provides some large cultural shifts. Ahmed and his family are setting up a new household. Will you help? Give to FMI’s Ministry Liaison Support or Ministry Liaison Gift Cards to help Ahmed and his family with the financial costs of calling the U.S. home. To give, click here.

However, financial costs are not the only challenges Ahmed and his family are facing. Adjusting to a culture starkly different from the one they have spent their whole lives in is another hurdle. (Learn about the difference between Pakistan and the U.S. here.)

Plus, while there is food available in the U.S., finding foods similar to what Ahmed and his family eat in Pakistan is challenging. In a sense, without similar foods, this family has to relearn how to cook unfamiliar and foreign dishes.

Ahmed and Family Safe

As for the transition, there are good things, too, like safety.

“I saw a piece on my wife’s face after more than two years. That was really encouraging and good for me as well, because she was always worried about me when I’m traveling. I was traveling in Pakistan or different places in Pakistan. She was really very worried for the kids as well. So, I’m very thankful to God [that] he brought us here. Even for a couple of years,” Ahmed says.

While in the U.S., Ahmed will work with FMI as a U.S. employee. He is available to speak to churches about his story and will continue focusing on strategically fortifying the ministry work in Pakistan. Ultimately, Ahmed and his family plan to return to Pakistan. Ahmed says Pakistan is his home, it is where his grave is.

Want to invite Ahmed to your church? Then email FMI here.

Will you pray?

Please, if you would, pray for Ahmed and his family.

(Photo courtesy of Nathan Dumlao via Unsplash)

“There [are a] few points you can pray for me and for my family. The first thing…still helping or empowering my people in Pakistan, my Christian brothers and sisters. Because I left Pakistan, but still Pakistan [is] inside me. And then, you can pray for my family. My children, they go to a Christian school here in [the] U.S. [Pray for] my wife, [that] she can find some Pakistani food or Indian food she can cook in the kitchen,” Ahmed asks.

Finally, despite the tumultuous journey Ahmed and his family have experienced, their story is not one of despair.

“It’s really a story about God’s victory in the midst of persecution. And that’s what we want to focus on,” Allen explains.

To continue supporting FMI’s work in Pakistan, click here.

*Name changed for security purposes.

Header photo courtesy of FMI.

Ahmed is careful to avoid being recognized in public. He varies his routine and moves homes regularly to keep safe. For his family of four, with two school-aged children, this is difficult.

Ahmed Seeks U.S. Visa

Ahmed’s bloody shirt from attack in court April 2018. (Photo courtesy of FMI)

FMI is working with the United States State Department to temporarily bring Ahmed and his family to the U.S. The goal is to get Ahmed’s family to safety while also retaining his freedom to travel to and from Pakistan.

“The type of visa that we’re looking to get for him is called an R1 visa, which is a religious workers visa. So, he would be part of the FMI U.S. staff…He would also still be able to go back and forth discreetly into Pakistan while his family would remain here in safety in the U.S.,” FMI’s Bruce Allen explains.

Unfortunately, a visa related to asylum would take many years to attain, but it would allow Ahmed to travel and speak at various events, banquets, and churches in the U.S. People could hear Ahmed’s story first-hand and learn more about God’s work in Pakistan. However, FMI needs to raise $40,000 to bring Ahmed to the U.S.

Moving Challenges

“We still have that Project Advocacy account set up and it’s there on our website that people could donate specifically to that account. The way those funds are being used right now is to help with the legal expenses that he still has from the court case in Pakistan,” Allen says.

(Photo courtesy of FMI)

There are also the costs for filling the visa application and the immigration lawyer processing it. In Pakistan, $120 can do a lot, but $120 in the U.S. will not even supply groceries for a month with a family of four. If Ahmed brings his family’s savings and sells their belongings, the revenue will not be enough stateside.

Once his family does arrive in the United States, they will need a home to rent, groceries, clothes, a method of transportation, kitchen supplies, mattresses, and much more. Ahmed and his family will essentially be starting from scratch.

No Visa Plans

Ahmed’s heart is for Pakistan. On many occasions, Ahmed has told Allen that his grave is in Pakistan. He wants other Pakistanis to know Christ, despite the personal cost. Moving Ahmed and his family the U.S. for a handful of years would give his trackers time to settle down and stop looking for him. It would also ensure his family’s safety while the people who want Ahmed dead find something else to focus on.

“Ahmed has been such a strategic and influential partner in Pakistan. We want to keep him in ministry as much as possible, share his story with as many audiences as possible so that the ministry in Pakistan can keep flourishing,” Allen shares.

If Ahmed and his family are unable to obtain a visa to live in the U.S., then Ahmed would remain in Pakistan but still try to find a safe home for his family, possibly in a neighboring country.

“The school where Ahmed and Amir’s children attend in recent weeks, there was a terrorist threat against them and they had to have the SWAT teams come in and snipers on the roofs and things like that and that just agitated the spirits of mom and dad going, ‘ugh, there is no safe place’. They just need to be refreshed because that constant vigilance is very waring. We pray for their refreshment,” Allen says.

Please, pray for Ahmed and his family, FMI, and the visa process. Pray for Ahmed’s family’s encouragement, strength, faith, courage, creativity, and perseverance in the face of these challenges. Intercede on Ahmed’s behalf for the visa process through prayer. Pray the funds would come in to pay for Ahmed’s legal fees, the process of coming to the U.S., and his family’s start-up needs once they arrive.

Want to financially come alongside Ahmed?

Click here to donate to the Project Advocacy account!

Header photo courtesy of FMI.

Before the peace accord, a long and bloody conflict defined the relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea for nearly 20 years. Eritrea was formerly a province of Ethiopia until it gained independence in 1993. With the split, families were separated and lines were drawn in the sand. The fighting that started soon after was one of Africa’s most costly and devastating conflicts.

Three months ago, Ethiopians elected 41-year-old Abiy Ahmed as the new prime minister. Ahmed met with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki in Addis Ababa over the weekend. Together they contrived a five-pillar agreement to end the conflict between their two nations.

Peter* from Ethiopia serves with Global Disciples. He says, “What they speak of is really forgiveness for what happened in the past, love, and peace. That is the language the prime minister of Ethiopia is speaking and the same that the president of Eritrea is echoing.”

Suri tribesmen in Ethiopia. (Photo courtesy of Trevor Cole via Unsplash)

With this new peace agreement, borders will be reopened and trade reinstated between the two countries. The key now is seeing whether the peace agreement will stand as each government holds to their side of the deal. Previous attempts at reconciliation between Ethiopia and Eritrea have failed.

Christians in Ethiopia are also wondering what peace with Eritrea could mean for the spread of the Gospel.

Eritrea is number six on Open Doors’ World Watch List, which rates countries with the worst persecution of Christians. According to Open Doors, the majority of Christian persecution in Eritrea stems from dictatorial paranoia. There is only one sanctioned church denomination: the Eritrean Orthodox Church. Believers in other denominations are persecuted by the EOC and Muslim communities. They are even arrested by the government, who accuses them of spying for the West.

Peter explains, “Before Eritrea became independent, in Eritrea all the denominations — whether Lutheran or Protestant, or Evangelical, Pentecostal — all churches were there. When Eritrea became independent and started persecuting, then many of them went underground…. There are underground churches in Eritrea, even if most of them are in prison.”

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

Now, some are hopeful that Ethiopia can be a good example of greater freedoms to their Eritrean neighbors — including religious freedoms.

“I was watching on Sunday the celebration of the peace between Eritrea and Ethiopia in which the different religious leaders gave a speech in the presence of the president and the prime minister and the government officials from both countries. It has really demonstrated it is possible for different people groups and different religious groups to live together in peace, respecting one another, [and] sharing the love of Christ.”

As the border between Eritrea and Ethiopia reopens, it could mean growing evangelism access for Ethiopian churches near the border. “Those [churches] who are bordering with Eritrea speak the same language and it will give them access easily to cross,” says Peter. However, just how much Eritrea will tolerate has yet to be seen.

Peter has experienced successful evangelism across national borders. He is hopeful for evangelism efforts between Ethiopia and Eritrea as well. “When I was a mission director serving with one denomination in my country, it gave me an opportunity to work on the border of Sudan, Somalia, [and] Djibouti — training and sending those who speak their language [who then] easily planted churches. So that will give an opportunity for the churches in Ethiopia to get access even if Eritrea is on one of the top 10 [World] Watch List.”

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

Global Disciples equips churches in Ethiopia to reach the least-reached with the Gospel. Peter explains, “Global’s strategy is near-culture workers. So as we empower the Ethiopian churches who have vision to reach the least-reached people, I think Global will work with those churches…. They will take the Gospel next-door. It is almost the next village because for some of them they are on the border [with Eritrea].”

As the world watches how the new peace accord between Ethiopia and Eritrea will play out, Christians around the world can pray for the nations and believers there.

“I really thank God for the beginning of this reconciliation between the two countries and peace. Keep praying for this to open wide doors for the Ethiopians to go and reach the unreached people group in that country as well as for God to soften the heart of the government of Eritrea. We have to pray for them.”

Also, Peter asks, “Keep praying…for the Ethiopian Church to use this opportunity to take the Gospel to Eritrea.”

If you would like to learn more about Global Disciples and their Gospel ministry, click here!

Header photo courtesy of John Iglar via Flickr under Creative Commons: https://goo.gl/nu8eBv

*Name changed for security purposes.

Joyful News

FMI’s Bruce Allen shares:

“After being on trial for six months under false charges of blasphemy, brother Ahmed was acquitted by the court in Lahore, and his case has been dismissed. His reputation is intact. His good name has been upheld. And it’s really nothing short of amazing as the typical blasphemy trial in Pakistan drags on for an average of three years.”

Allen says he, Ahmed, and everyone else who’s been intimately involved with this case are grateful to God for this victory. They’re also thankful for the Mission Network News audience who has been praying for Ahmed since last fall and offering words of encouragement to him and his family.

Now that the trial is over, there’s been a bit of financial relief, too. Ahmed was expecting to accumulate three years worth of legal fees. But, he does still has current fees and medical bills he’s responsible for paying. On top of this, when his attorney, Rizvam, was attacked in court earlier this year, some of those medical fees were shifted to Ahmed.

Tempered Response

However, as great as this news is, it has been tempered by a second fatwa the accusers had issued against Ahmed on the same day he was acquitted. While the second fatwa doesn’t necessarily add more danger to Ahmed’s life (since the first fatwa calls all Muslims to seek him out and kill him wherever they find him) it’s still a reality check.

Again, fatwas are not part of the legal system. Instead, they are issued by Muslim clerics. Anyone who acts under a fatwa cannot be legally charged with wrongdoing. That means any Muslim could still attack and kill Ahmed, and the killing could be justified by the fatwa.

“The accusers’ determination to seek Ahmed’s downfall is still intact. They’re not giving up simply because they couldn’t achieve their desired goals through the court system,” Allen says.

Furthermore, the accusers have 40 days to make an appeal. But, more than likely they will not pursue an appeal since recent reforms in Pakistan now consider false charges of blasphemy a severe crime. The punishment for false charges includes fines and imprisonment.

Next Steps and Prayers

What’s next? Ahmed is continuing ministry, just as he did before and during this legal trial. But, Ahmed’s wife, Amir, is still fighting an eye infection. And because of the emotional trauma, Allen says her body’s immune system has not been able to fight it off. So please, pray for her healing.

Mosque Lahore in Pakistan. (Photo courtesy of FMI)

Keep praying for Pakistani lawmakers to press forward and continue reforming Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.

Pray for the perseverance of Pakistani Christians because, although Ahmed is seeing some relief from the persecution he’s faced, others are still deep in the trenches. In fact, one Pakistani FMI pastor was recently attacked while preaching—pray for this man’s healing.

Ask God to heal Ahmed and his family emotionally. They’ve dealt with severe trauma over these past six months. Pray that God would continue lifting them up and giving them strength for each day. Pray for God to continue providing for Ahmed’s legal and medical expenses.

Through its Project Advocacy fund, FMI is hoping to raise $10,000 on Ahmed’s behalf to help him pay off these fees. Will you help?

Give towards Ahmed’s legal and medical expenses here!

Learn more about the blasphemy law in Pakistan here!

Preparing for the Worst

Leading up to the trial, Ahmed and his advocates were certain he’d face an ambush either while traveling to court or during the hearing. In preparation for a worst-case scenario, Ahmed sent FMI’s Bruce Allen a recording of what could possibly have been his last words to his friend.

“He said, ‘All the accusations and charges of blasphemy against me are completely false and baseless. Christianity doesn’t teach us to humiliate others, even though of a different faith. Christ is known as the Prince of Peace, and being his follower, I’m spreading this message, and will keep spreading it until death,’” Allen shares.

“’I am deeply grateful to all the brothers and sisters who are with me in this crucial time. Fasting and praying for me and my family. I am delighted to be a part of Christ’s Body with you all. It gives a lot of encouragement and strength to know that I’m not alone in this death-dealing situation, but blessed by compassionated brothers and sisters in Christ. Continue to uplift me in your prayers, and my family—for the Lord to grant me strength, power, and wisdom. Amen.’”

In his message to Allen, Ahmed ended by quoting Scripture which said, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you a crown of life. *Jay ho.” Even as Ahmed prepared to approach death’s doorstep, he still saw and focused on the victory that was won in Christ’s death and resurrection.

Ahmed Attacked in Court

Then, just after midnight during Friday’s earliest hour in the Eastern Time Zone, Bruce got word on the outcome of Ahmed’s trial.

Ahmed’s bloody shirt from attack in court. (Photo Courtesy FMI)

“I received word that Ahmed was indeed attacked, by ten men, as soon as he was called into the courtroom for his legal proceedings on charges of blasphemy against Islam,” Allen shares. “He suffered two head injuries, but there were friends with him who were able to take him to the hospital for emergency treatment.”

Ahmed also suffered bruised ribs and is currently on painkillers.

A team of lawyers accompanied Ahmed and his attorney to the court that morning. These individuals served as eyes and ears to help document the events if there was an attack. Furthermore, Christian friends of Ahmed’s, one who serves on the police force and the other, an EMT worker, joined Ahmed as well. The EMT worker remained outside the courtroom in case of an emergency requiring his medical expertise.

In fact, it was the EMT friend who rushed Ahmed to the hospital and saw to it that he was treated for his injuries. Ahmed wasn’t allowed to take his phone into court with him, even though his attackers could bring in their weapons. Without his phone, Ahmed had to wait until his attorney brought it to the hospital to contact his wife.

Power of Prayer

“We were so grateful for the Body of Christ at that time, who we knew were interceding around the world, for Ahmed. And [we were] so grateful for the Holy Spirit who knows how to translate even just groans and tears into prayers, and the knowledge that our pain is not foreign to God,” Allen says.

“We thank the Mission Network News listeners who have poured out their hearts to the Lord. Who have fasted, who have shared words of encouragement, and written out prayers for Ahmed and his family. We’ve relayed [the prayers] to the family.”

Is There No Justice?

However, it has come to light that the judge and legal assistant hearing Ahmed’s case were complicit in the attack. These men knew the weapons, which would be used to attack Ahmed, were in the courtroom. In fact, Allen says the legal assistant was involved with Ahmed’s accusers and attackers. The assistant waited to have Ahmed brought into the courtroom until the attackers were ready to strike.

But, it doesn’t end there.

“Once the attack by those ten militants had started, the judge simply winked, got up and left the courtroom for his chambers,” Allen shares. “He’s winking at, what was conspiring, and confident that ‘Okay, I’m not needed here today. There’s really going to be no legal proceeding in the case today, it’s just an ambush. And he thinks it over.”

Pakistan street scene. (Photo Courtesy FMI)

The judge was expecting Ahmed to be killed that morning. But God delivered him through the trial instead. As quickly as possible, Ahmed’s friends intervened, and one of the lawyers dragged him out of the courtroom. Ahmed’s lawyer, Rizvam, and the other individuals with him locked the courtroom from the inside to prevent the attackers from chasing after Ahmed.

Once left alone, the attackers verbally argued with the attorneys and the police officer. However, these men were unwilling to risk physically attacking the group.

“We are so grateful for the way the Lord orchestrated who could be present with Ahmed during this scenario,” Allen says.

“From someone with medical expertise and the ability to transport him to the hospital, to all these lawyers, who are willing to put their lives on the line and be present with Ahmed, and this uniformed police officer being there.”

A Looming Cloud

But aside from the court case, there’s the fact that Ahmed still has the fatwa against him. The fatwa calls for all Pakistani Muslims to hunt him down, and kill him. And because of this fatwa, these men, including the judge, will most likely face no repercussions for their actions.

“It’s very clear that the accusers, and the man who brought the charge against Ahmed, don’t even know him. This is such a bogus and contrived affair. But, they are intent on killing him,” Allen explains. “If not through the court system… where they can get capital punishment, then definitely through the fatwa. So, that is still their aim.”

Furthermore, if hospital personnel had known there was a fatwa against Ahmed, even this trip could have proven deadly. By God’s grace, it didn’t.

Rizvam has filed a petition to allow Ahmed not to be present during future hearings since the court cannot secure his safety. It is Ahmed’s constitutional right to be represented by his lawyer in court, rather than personally being present.

Home at Last

Thankfully, Ahmed is now home with his wife and children. And Allen says they’ve had a joyful reunion. That morning, Ahmed’s wife, Amir, cried from anguish of the unknown. Then, upon finding out her husband was alive, her tears continued with joy.

Allen has spoken with Ahmed since he’s returned home, and shares that after this attack,  Ahmed has even more passion for sharing the Gospel and conducting ministry. For Ahmed, he sees what God has brought him through and he knows what God has done for him. Christ saved him when he was the enemy, and he wants his country people to know Christ’s overwhelming love and forgiveness, too.

A woman being baptized in Pakistan (Photo Courtesy of FMI)

“[Ahmed] says, ‘I’m honored to have spilled some of my blood for the glory of the Lord,” Allen recounts.

Ahmed doesn’t know or understand why his accusers are so bent on getting rid of him. Even when he does ministry, Ahmed takes 1 Peter 3:15 seriously, which says:

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Allen shares that Ahmed doesn’t want to degrade people or bully them into believing in Christ. He respects them and is gentle.

But, despite the spiritual darkness in Pakistan, FMI’s ministry continues to see thousands of Pakistanis place their faith in Jesus. And it’s because God is working through people like Ahmed to bring the Pakistanis to himself. Yet, as we’ve seen, with the great fruit also comes great resistance.

Be Prayerful, Be Active

So please, keep praying for Ahmed, his physical healing, and his family. Pray for his children, their faith, and for them to not live in fear, but confidence in God. Ask God to speak to the heart of this judge. Pray for Ahmed’s acquittal. And pray for Rizvam’s safety. Ask God to intimately touch his life, and for him to continue to courageously fight for justice on Ahmed’s behalf.

Also, pray specifically for Amir. She has developed an eye infection from the intense crying and eye rubbing on the day of Ahmed’s trial. Pray for this family’s courage, wisdom, joy, and ministry.

And pray for Ahmed’s rising medical costs and attorney fees. FMI is assisting Ahmed in these costs by collecting donations for him through its “Project Advocacy” fund. This fund was specifically set up to financially help Ahmed and his family during this time of trial.

Come alongside Ahmed tangibly by giving to FMI’s “Project Advocacy” fund here!

Learn more about Ahmed’s blasphemy trial in Pakistan here!

Finally, praise God for delivering Ahmed through this trial. Praise Him for His faithfulness, His love, and the work He is doing in Pakistan through His people.

“As much as I say it was a long tearful night, I can agree with Scripture and say, joy came in the morning,” Allen shares.

*Jay Ho: an Urdu expression of victory.
**Pakistan is ranked #5 on Open Doors USA’s World Watch List (WWL). The WWL is a ranking of the 50 countries where Christians face the most severe persecution.
***Blasphemy trials take an average of three years in Pakistan. Ahmed’s has been taking place since November 2017.

Words From Pakistan

With an unknown future, Ahmed had some words to share with you:

Pakistani Christians in church. (Photo cred: FMI)

“I’m feeling very [thankful] to all the prayers and support of my brothers and sisters in Christ in the crucial time of persecution. This message could be lost and my voice could be vanished from this earth.

“So, considering it my will also, I would like to say that even though I would not be on this earth, the preaching of the Gospel should continue. I believe that Satan is already defeated and my persecution brings more glory to my Christ.

“I appreciate your support and would like to request [you] to take care of my family later, until the time I meet them in heaven. God bless my dear brothers and sisters, Amen.”

Recently, FMI’s Bruce Allen was in Pakistan for field visits with FMI supported pastors and church planters. While there, Allen had the opportunity to connect with Ahmed in person. Allen says the reason for the April 13 court date is because the hearing had been suspended in the wake of Ahmed’s lawyer’s injuries. In February, Ahmed’s lawyer, Rizvam, was attacked in court by the prosecuting attorney.

“We certainly want to raise up [and] mobilize people to pray for God’s protection of Ahmed and his family, especially with not just the legal trial on these bogus charges of blasphemy, but the fatwa that’s against him,” Allen urges.

He explains that “even if the judge were to say ‘I acquit you, I dismiss all charges, I release you’ people in the street can still kill Ahmed with impunity. So, we’re praying for miraculous intervention here.”

Take Heart, Be Encouraged

Allen recounts how God parted the Red Sea for the Israelites and that the very obstacle which looked like it would keep them from escaping the pharaoh’s grip turned out to be the very method God used to destroy Israel’s enemies.

Pakistan church group (Photo courtesy of FMI)

“We see so many stories in Scripture whether it’s Haman, during the time of Queen Esther, being hung on his own gallows that he wanted to use against God’s people,” Allen explains.

“So we’re praying that God would intervene here as well, not just for Ahmed’s sake and his family’s, but for the sake of His own glory that He would be known as a deliverer, as the one who is sovereign over Pakistan.”

At the moment, despite the dark cloud looming over them, Ahmed and his wife, Amir, are both in good spirits. Still, they are wearing this burden of what could happen to their family in just a few days. But, their faith isn’t in themselves or their capabilities, but Christ’s.

Regardless of what happens in court, there’s still a fatwa against Ahmed, meaning any Pakistani Muslim could take his life and not face punishment.

Be Prayerful, Be Active

Please, pray for Ahmed, his ability to sleep well in these last few days leading up to his hearing, and for a sense of peace in him and his family’s life. Pray also that he’d be able to use these days of freedom to serve God, as well as for those Christians in Pakistan who will continue to conduct ministry even if Ahmed can’t.

And finally, pray for Ahmed’s kids, especially as they watch and listen to what is happening to their father. Pray they won’t give into fear, for them to understand the faith of their parents, and that God would use this period, which the enemy clearly means for evil, to refine these children, strengthen them, and bring them closer to Him.

“Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”

– Hebrews 13:3

Learn more about Ahmed’s trial and how to come alongside him and his family here!

*Pakistan is fifth on Open Doors USA’s World Watch List (WWL). The WWL is a ranking of the 50 top countries where Christian persecution is most severe.

**Ahmed, Amir, and Rizvam are pseudonyms used for the security and protection of the actual persons.

Blasphemy Case Update

The charge against Ahmed has been baseless, his accusers have no evidence against him. Still, since November 2017 his trial continues month after month. His accusers have stopped at nothing to try and prevent Ahmed from continuing his ministry. There’s even been a suspicion of an under the table bribe with the judge.

“The most recent update is that the judge is now demanding that Ahmed come to the courthouse where previously the judge had ruled that Ahmed did not have to be there. That’s Ahmed’s constitutional right to represented by his defense attorney,” FMI’s Bruce Allen shares.

Appearing In Court

However, Ahmed isn’t required to appear in court until sometime in April. And this delay has many people involved in the case wondering if there’s something being planned.

“And it’s a little ominous simply because it wasn’t ‘show up next week’, but it was showing up several weeks down the road and we’re wondering if that’s allowing time for an ambush to take place. So, we’re really requesting Mission Network News listeners to be praying for Ahmed’s protection as he would show up at court,” Allen explains.

It’s easy to see how the current time can be distressing for Ahmed, his family, and even his lawyer, Rizvam. In fact, Rizvam was attacked in court by the accusers and beaten so badly he was put in the hospital. He’s still recovering from his injuries and will have physical scars from the attack.

And if his accusers are willing to attack Rizvam in court, what are they willing to do on a particular day where they know Ahmed will be present. In the past months, Ahmed has not been required to be in court and has been continuing ministry. But this freedom seems to be disappearing.

When the day comes for Ahmed to appear in court, though, a team of attorneys will be present with Ahmed and Rizvam to act as “eyes and ears to witness what happens.” Allen shares there will also be some Christian policemen standing with Ahmed in the courtroom.

Be Prayerful, Be Active

“I pray through Psalm 37, which is one of those intriguing Psalms where the psalmist is just crying out, God, there are evil men who are after me for no good reason,” Allen says. “And the whole Psalm talks about how our hope is not in our circumstances, it’s not ever in what men would do for us…Psalm 37 is a plea to the one who is in charge.”

Will you pray Psalm 37 over Ahmed? Pray fervently for him, his wife and family. For the first part of his trial, Ahmed and his family were separate. They’ve been reunited, but now there is the uncertainty of this court date. So please, ask God to come alongside this family, encourage them, and lift them up in his love and faithfulness.

Pray for attorney Rizvam and his courage to continue representing Ahmed with the danger he faces for doing so. Ask God to convict the judge’s heart, as he is supposed to pursue justice.

“And we just pray for God to part the waters of the red sea again,” Allen urges. “To allow Ahmed to continue in ministry, having great impact in society. But, ultimately we pray for God to be glorified through all of this.”

Decreasing For Christ

Ahmed has already told Allen that if his case is how God will bring about reform for the Pakistani blasphemy laws or to inspire a new generation of Christian leaders in the country, he’s all in. He’s willing to face whatever may come, regardless of his convenience or comfort, to see God glorified.

Finally, would you help contribute to Ahmed’s financial costs of having an attorney? To do so, donate to FMI’s “Project Advocacy” fund.

Financially come alongside Ahmed here!

To find more info on Pakistan’s blasphemy law, click here!

*Please pray for Bruce Allen as he is currently overseas. Pray for his safety, his translators’ ability to quickly and accurately translate, and for his health, strength, and safety. Allen will also have the opportunity to speak to Christian leaders about, “Answering a World That Opposes the Church.” Pray for those conversations as well.

Blasphemy Law Challenges

Recently, Pakistan asked Facebook and Twitter to help the government in finding Pakistanis outside of the country who are posting blasphemous content. If Facebook and Twitter comply, the Pakistani government could extradite individuals for blasphemy trials in Pakistan. No information has been given as to whether Facebook and Twitter will help.

(Photo Courtesy of FMI) Pakistani Flag

“When you look at how the blasphemy laws are used in Pakistan, the majority of cases are centered in one region of the country. And that’s the region where most of the people who are minorities, like Christians, live. So, they’re facing quite a bit of legal challenge in their own country,” FMI’s Bruce Allen shares.

In fact, the blasphemy law doesn’t even require the accusers to provide evidence of the blasphemy case, yet, the penalty of the crime is a mandatory death sentence. But, it seems that in Ahmed’s case, the judge is requiring evidence. However, Ahmed is still facing challenges in his trial.

Ahmed’s Case

“Since the prosecution knows that so much of their case is fabricated–over the weekend the prosecuting attorney went to the defense attorney’s office to hold a meeting,” Allen explains. “And he literally threatened the defense lawyer’s life. [He] said, ‘If you do not withdraw from supporting Ahmed and defending him against these charges, we will kill you.’”

The threat on Ahmed’s defense lawyer’s life is not an unusual one. Other lawyers have received similar death threats in the past while defending an individual accused of blasphemy. Still, these threats are not to be taken lightly. In the past, Pakistani lawyers have had outright brawls in the courtroom, opponents have been killed in front of judges, and lawyers have been murdered for defending individuals accused of blasphemy.

However, despite the threats, Ahmed’s lawyer stood up to the person(s) threatening him and is continuing with Ahmed’s case. The next problem, though, comes when Ahmed was supposed to have his third hearing of the trial on Tuesday.

But, because of disruptions in the court, the hearing had to be postponed. It was also at this time Ahmed’s lawyer was going to bring to the attention of the judge the death threat he had received from the prosecuting attorney.

(Photo Courtesy FMI for MNN use.) Mosque Lahore in Pakistan.

“We see much more than just a legal battle going on, we see spiritual warfare where enemies of Christ are so bent on destroying and defaming this co-laborer for the Gospel inside Pakistan that they will stop at nothing to get rid of him…as well as anyone who supports him,” Allen explains.

The prosecuting attorney has also tried to add on additional charges to Ahmed’s case. This maneuver is illegal and Ahmed’s lawyer is appealing to have these additional charges dismissed.

How to Pray

Regardless of the attacks, though, God has been faithful in Ahmed’s case, and it’s not in his nature to be unfaithful. So please, will you join in praying for Ahmed, his family, and the dismissal of his case.

First off, start with praising God for the courageousness of both this fair judge and of Ahmed’s lawyer. Also, praise God for his hand of protection in the trial. But please, continue praying for Ahmed’s acquittal, his safety, his faith, and his encouragement. Pray for his family’s safety and encouragement as well. Especially since this week Ahmed’s family will be celebrating his son’s birthday.

Ask God to continue protecting Ahmed and for any attempts to do evil to him or his family to be thwarted. Also, pray for the protection of Ahmed’s lawyer and for this same man to encounter Christ. And finally, pray for Pakistan to amend and/or get rid of its blasphemy law.

To tangibly help, will you give to help Ahmed with his attorney fees? His fees could range anywhere from $5,000 to $8000. And with each hearing, more fees are accumulated.

Help Ahmed with attorney fees under the “Project Advocacy” box here!

Get more details from FMI on Ahmed’s case here!

**Please continue to send in prayers and notes of encouragement to Ahmed either through emailing FMI or posting on Mission Network New’s Facebook page. Ahmed has been receiving these notes and has been greatly encouraged by them. 

Doyle explains the situation: "He was in a very, very hot spot where there have been some Christian leaders that have been kidnapped. He's been threatened many times, and we just feared for the worst because of where he was and just no messages whatsoever."

Added to the tension was the kidnapping of two archbishops of the Orthodox Church in the same area. When "Ahmed" went missing, the team feared the worst.

Ahmed's predicament was a high priority on May 11, which was The International Day of Prayer and Fasting for the Syrian Church. Doyle says thousands of people joined in. Sometime later, "A Syrian leader texted out, ‘God Answer! God ANSWER!' We were able to get a word to him and say, ‘What did God answer? What happened?' And he said, ‘Ahmed is fine!'"

Doyle explains, "Basically, he got rid of his cell phone and went underground until he could resurface. We thank the Lord that he is okay. But the believers are in peril in Syria. There are two archbishops that have been kidnapped. Christians, from what we hear from our leaders, are getting threats daily."

In light of that, Doyle adds, "We now know where he is. He's safe. His family is safe. All glory goes out to the Lord who protected him." As Doyle shares the concerted worldwide prayer effort with Syrian church leaders, he says they were overwhelmed. "When they heard about this, the believers in Syria just cried…that believers cared enough about them to be praying every day. Boy! When we pray and fast, the Lord is so moved by that and Ahmed is just evidence of that!" The Syrian believers are rejoicing, and so are members of the E3 team.

The prayer effort gained traction quickly via social media. Doyls explains, "The 8:38 Web site is a Facebook site. It's the number 8thirty8, and we encourage believers to set their watches to 8:38 pm each night to pray for believers that are either in prison, persecution, or danger." Why did they land on a time of 8:38? "It goes with Romans 8:38-39: 'For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities [and Paul names like eight things] shall be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.'"

In his jubilant e-mail announcing answered prayer, Doyle mused, "So what do you think of when you see the young girl holding the 'Free Syria' sign or the boy hoisting the Freedom Syria banner? Many people would think of the 2-year-old bloody war between Bashar Assad's Alawite government and the Sunni Muslims."

In the context of answered prayer, he adds, "We think of Ahmed,' his wife, and two young girls that are safe and sound and protected by our Amazing Jesus. That's the real freedom for Syria."

Pray daily at 8:38! "Nothing can separate us from the Love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."