In a unique occasion, victims of the August 2023 Islamist attacks on Christians in Jaranwala ended an unprecedented 17-day protest on September 2.

Nehemiah from FMI says, “Protest wasn’t just about property damage or compensation; it was about justice, accountability, and being heard. The community felt neglected by those claiming to advocate for them.”

More than 25 churches and 85 Christian homes were damaged or burned, yet despite such massive destruction almost nothing was done. Clear clues pointed to the attackers, but the investigation stalled for two years as perpetrators were freed and victims remain helpless.

The Victims Committee Jaranwala was created to advocate for those affected.

Jaranwala railway station (courtesy of Fahads1982 via Wikimedia Commons)

“They can file complaints,” says Nehemiah, “and pursue prosecution, even though in many cases arrests or prosecutions have been inadequate. And negotiation committees, including women, are meeting with federal institutions and using local religious press to raise awareness and public pressure.”

Women joined this protest despite greater danger, playing a significant role. “They joined the protest,” he adds, “leaving daily chores, fasting, and making their voices heard.”

Unlike Western protests, these demonstrations are tightly controlled by the government. Nehemiah explains:

“They allocate you one specific spot where Christian community is allowed to sit and file their record as a protest.” Sometimes it’s only two hundred square feet that you can’t leave.

Yet, it was a significant event.

“It marked the first time Christians in their area collectively protested for their rights in such an extended and visible way,” says Nehemiah.

The Victims Committee Jaranwala led the protest saying: “Insaf, Aman, Masih Ke Naam!” meaning “Justice, Peace, in the Name of Christ!”

Restricted space kept many from joining, but another goal was achieved: “To register their protest, or simply let the international community know what is happening in Pakistan with Christians.”

Their plea has reached you!

Pray for justice for Jaranwala victims. Pray that as the protestors boldly intercede for their rights, they will be wise and protected — especially the women.

Pray for FMI Pakistan who serve in this challenging environment and bring hope to the hopeless.

Header photo courtesy of The Voice of the Martyrs USA.

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.

We told you recently Mission Cry was headed to Jaranwala in Pakistan’s Punjab province to give 100 displaced Christians food and new Bibles.

Now, Rev. Jason Woolford, President of Mission Cry says, “When they got the Bible, many of them held it, hugged it, cried, and said, ‘We know God has not forgotten about us.'”

Bishop Slim (Photo courtesy of Mission Cry)

Mission Cry missionary Bishop Slim is also helping. The last time we covered Bishop Slim’s ministry, he was recovering from an attack for distributing Bibles in Pakistan.

“They broke his arms, his hands, and multiple parts of his fingers,” says Woolford. “He had to have surgery and he said, months ago, ‘Reverend, when I’m better, I’m going to go back to distributing the Word of God because it’s the only thing that makes a difference.’

“I want you to know that he’s in Jaranwala now ministering and handing out these Bibles to these believers that we just spoke of.”

One thing is certain: Christians in Pakistan won’t be stopped or intimidated from following Jesus Christ.

But they can use your prayers.

Woolford asks, “Pray that these Muslims would have visions of Christ like they’d been having, that they would look into the spirit realm and see angels and they would repent and come to serve the one true God.”

Pastor in Pakistan with free Bibles from Mission Cry. (Photo courtesy of Mission Cry)

You can also support Mission Cry’s urgent work supporting persecuted believers in Pakistan. Click here to give to Mission Cry.

“We’re so thankful that we’re continuing to minister to our brothers and sisters because this is happening around the globe. Just to know that we’re encouraging those people in that area and giving them the only thing that doesn’t return void — the Word of God — blesses me, and I hope it blesses those that are listening.”

Header photo courtesy of Mission Cry.

Yesterday, a mob of hundreds of people stormed the predominantly Christian neighborhood Jaranwala in Faisalabad. So far, at least five churches have been burned as well as many believers’ homes.

Nehemiah with FMI says, “Before they burned these churches and houses, they tortured Christians, they vandalized and they demolished everything. While I’m talking to you right now, riots continue in Jaranwala in the same city and radical Muslims have blocked all major highways.”

Pakistan (Photo courtesy of FMI)

Videos show some local police, rather than stopping the violence, actually joined the protestors. Other police, “even if they’re not part of the riots, they are just standing there alongside with these mobs and watching them burning these churches and then vandalizing everything.”

The Gospel is needed more than ever in Pakistan.

Nehemiah asks, “Please pray for FMI partners because we have partners in the same city. I was able to connect with him and, of course, he was scared, he was afraid. But he’s still standing on the ground and…he is serving in this very, very difficult and dangerous situation.”

Ask God also for protection over churches and Christians in Faisalabad.

Header photo of the Minar of a Masjid in Faisalabad, Pakistan. (Photo courtesy of Asfand Yar/Unsplash)