Source: World Watch Monitor
In a surprising ruling on January 28th, a judge serving the Punjab province court of law threw out charges of blasphemy against Christian convert, Barkat Masih, who was accused of insulting Islam. The ruling came two months after similar charges were dismissed against Rimsha Masih, the teenage girl whose case attracted worldwide criticism of Pakistan's anti-blasphemy laws. (For a past report on Rimsha's case,
click here.)
In September of 2011, an incident took place at a Hindu shrine in Barkat's native village of Khairpur Tamewali. (This particular shrine happens to be located on two acres of land which has remained in Barkat's family for generations.) It all began when two frequent visitors to the shrine deliberately started an altercation with him, alleging that he had spoken badly against the Muslim prophet. Following a complaint filed by the two accusers, police arrested and charged Barkat on October 1st. Penalties for blasphemy offences can include life imprisonment or death.
While awaiting trial, Barkat was incarcerated for almost 16 months. During that time, a total of 25 people submitted affidavits in Barkat's favour, defending his innocence. A further investigation revealed that the two shrine visitors had actually plotted to take over Barkat's land and, therefore, implicated him in a false case. Since the accusers were unable to produce any evidence to the contrary, the blasphemy charge was dismissed. "I didn't think God would rescue me from such an impossible situation," explains 56-year-old Barkat after hearing the judgement, "but my miraculous rescue has strengthened my faith in Him."
Due to threats from those in his village, Barkat and his family will have to relocate. Even Judge Chaudhry Jamil Ahmad, who has taken an indefinite leave of absence since the trial, understands the dangers of challenging Pakistan's deep-rooted sensitivity about criticism of Islam. To learn more about what believers are facing in Pakistan, check the
Pakistan Country Report.
We can rejoice over the fact that justice has prevailed in both of the above mentioned cases. First, let's thank our Heavenly Father for answering prayer on behalf of Barkat and Rimsha by bringing vindication to them in the courts. Continue to pray not only for the protection of these believers and their families, but also for those who have dared enough to defend their cause and uphold justice amid opposition. May God's wisdom illuminate the minds of all who are representing Pakistan's judicial system, bringing about further positive change that will greatly impact all of its citizens.
TANZANIA: Church Leader Killed in Zanzibar
Source: IOL News
On February 17th, Father Evarist Mushi was killed by gunmen outside the entrance of his church, which is located in the country's capital of Zanzibar. This shooting marks the second such attack that has taken place in recent months against Christian leaders on the Muslim-majority island.
President Jakaya Kikwete, who was shocked and saddened by the loss this most recent attack has caused, issued the following statement: "This is a deplorable incident that must be condemned.... All those responsible must be brought to justice." Three people were later arrested in connection with the murder.
The previous shooting incident occurred on Christmas Day when gunmen seriously wounded another Catholic priest as he returned home from church. While there have been tensions between the Muslims and Christians in Zanzibar, authorities are investigating further into the attacks to find out whether or not they are related. In this community, Christianity represents a minority (only about three percent) of the almost entirely Muslim population.
Pray for God's peace and justice on behalf of all who are part of the Zanzibar community, bringing an end to the violence and conflict that has plagued them. May the Lord not only bring physical healing to the surviving victim of the shooting, but also emotional and spiritual healing to those greatly affected by the attacks. Remember to uphold our fellow believers as they try to follow the ways of Christ in the midst of trying circumstances. To truly represent Him, they will need His ongoing strength, wisdom, protection and love.
LIBYA: Egyptian Businessman and Associates Imprisoned
Source: Middle East Concern
Egyptian Christian businessman Sherif Ramses manages a bookstore in Benghazi, the capital of the Cyrenaica province (in eastern Libya). On February 10th, he was arrested because the inventory of his store included Christian books which he made readily available to Arabic-speaking immigrants who either lived or worked in the city or the surrounding metropolitan area. While he has not yet been charged before a court, it has been reported that Sherif has experienced repeated physical mistreatment while in detainment.
Other believers in Benghazi who had in some way associated with Sherif, whether through business connections or socially, have also been recently arrested. All of these associates had been working in the area as language teachers or businessmen. Though formal charges have not been made against any of them to date, they have all been accused of proselytizing Christianity.
Pray that God will protect and preserve Sherif and his Christian friends during this difficult time while facing opposition and incarceration. May the amazing peace and presence of Jesus overshadow each of these suffering believers in a marvellous way, extending to their concerned family members who need His comfort as well. As admonished in the Scriptures, let us also remember to pray for those in authority, including the officials responsible for making these arrests. May God pour out His Holy Spirit on the entire nation of Libya so many will be brought to repentance and faith in Him!
