Christians Under Attack

Christians in Charsadda located in Pakistan face a grim choice of converting to Islam or face the consequences. They have called on the Pakistani government to protect them from strong radical Muslims operating within that area.

Todd Nettleton from the Voice of the Martyrs said that Charsadda is a challenging area for about 50 Christian families that are divided between two different churches. Recently a market selling “anti-Islam” videos has been bombed.

A note was left outside one of the Christian’s home saying, “If you Christians don't convert back to Islam, then you should leave the city or face the consequences.'"

Despite the threats, Nettleton said that Christians are not giving up. Although they are worried, nothing the Taliban do can destroy their faith in Christ said Nettleton.

“Christians aren't giving up. They said, 'Of course we're worried, but we're not afraid. The Taliban can do anything, but they cannot damage our faith. We will stand firm in our faith. Christ is with us.”

Commenting on the threats made to Christians in North-West Frontier Province, APMA said: "The Christians of Pakistan are already facing victimization and discrimination. Many innocent Christians are incarcerated and killed."

"Attacks on churches, Christian schools, and other institutions have been experienced by the Christians of Pakistan in the past few years, and now the rise of vigilante groups and threats have aggravated the situation."

Christian Solidarity Worldwide's National Director Stuart Windsor said: "We are deeply concerned about the rise of extremism in Pakistan and the threats made to Christians in North-West Frontier Province. We urge the Pakistani authorities to do everything possible to create an atmosphere of religious tolerance and freedom and to protect religious minorities who are facing threats and ultimatums.”

In the meantime, Nettleton is urging Christians to pray. He prayed "that these threats will not be carried out, that there will not be bombings, that there will not be violence against the church there. Secondly, we need to pray that they will still stand strong, whatever happens. This can be a time of great witness."

The deadline for converting is May 17th 2007

POSTED BY /http://au.christiantoday.com/