Pressure in Pakistan
Amidst the rising violence in Pakistan, including the deadliest attack ever on the Christian community, the Pakistan Bible Society (PBS) reports a growing interest in the Bible.
Just two months before suicide bombers killed 86 Christians in All Saints Church, Peshawar, more than a hundred people had gathered there to give thanks for the 150th anniversary of PBS.
“We were shocked and saddened by the attack,” says PBS General Secretary Anthony Lamuel. “We know some of the leaders and congregation very well… It was devastating.”
Anthony was also anxious because PBS was planning a big event to take place only a week after the bombing. They went ahead thinking, ‘If we stop our programmes, who wins?’ So, on the 29th of September, exactly one week after the attack, around 1,200 people risked attending Bible Sunday to stand together in faith.
As PBS ends its 150th anniversary celebrations in one of the darkest years for the Christian community, it has been asked to increase the security of its office in Lahore.
“Our staff, like all Christians in Lahore, are afraid of what extremists may do, but they are dedicated to sharing the Bible and are continuing their work. Please pray for God’s protection over the Christian community and join us in praying for and working towards peace and harmony in our beloved Pakistan.” Anthony.
With thanks to Bible Society NI