In the previous month, a large group of extremist Muslims wrought havoc upon the Christian community in Jaranwala, Pakistan. They launched attacks on over 20 churches and nearly a hundred homes in response to allegations that two believers had shown disrespect to the Quran. The following three accounts shed light on the harrowing experiences of some of the victims. This tragic incident has had a profound impact on more than 1,600 individuals, and we express our gratitude for your ongoing prayers and support for them...
For Asad, a 50-year-old devout churchgoer, attending church was not only a part of his weekly routine but also an integral part of his daily life. However, everything changed on August 16, a day that began like any other. He had a simple meal of flatbread, curry, and tea before accompanying his daughter to the bus stop, where he marked her forehead with the sign of the cross before she headed to college. On his way back, he made a stop at his church, a 1,500-square-foot space with a tent that belonged to a group of families. He took some time to clean the tent, engaged in prayer, and then returned home, which was nearby.
Suddenly, he heard loud and angry shouts. Locals were fleeing the area, warning, "The mob is approaching, and they are furious!" However, Asad chose not to leave. He declared, "My daughter will return from college, and if she doesn't know what's happening and comes home, I want to be here for her. I can't abandon my home."
Asad quickly climbed to the roof and sought refuge behind a deteriorating wall. From his vantage point, he could see not only his own church but also another nearby one. He recounted, "I immediately witnessed them targeting the neighboring church. They looted anything of value and loaded it onto trucks. They maliciously poured acid over the items. I watched them defile the crosses and Bibles, throwing them onto the street and ruthlessly stomping on them. It seemed like they were consumed by blind hatred. They doused the Bibles in fuel from their petrol bombs, set them ablaze, and only left when satisfied."
Thankfully, Asad's own church went unnoticed by the attackers. He remarked, "They didn't recognize it as a Christian place." However, his relief was short-lived as he witnessed one of his Muslim neighbors summoning the mob back. "They returned, tore down our cherished prayer and worship tent, and tossed it all into the flames."
Asad remained concealed behind the wall throughout the day, and his anxiety intensified when his daughter did not return at her usual time. He worried, "Where is she? Why is she so late? Has something happened to her?" Eventually, he heard her voice calling out to him. She had sought refuge at her aunt's house after learning about the attacks.
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