Church planters in Pakistan are reportedly receiving death threats for their involvement with the Christian church. Christian Today reports the risk of persecution for practicing Christianity in Pakistan is growing daily.
Javed David has been building churches in poor areas of Pakistan for two years. The church planter told Asia News that he is becoming more fearful of the work since two Lahore churches were attacked by suicide bombers in March.
"After the tragedy in Youhanabad [a Christian majority suburb of Lahore], circumstances have changed and now there is more fear," he said.
One motorcyclist threw a piece of paper at him that read, "This is an Islamic nation. We cannot allow church building. Either you convert to Islam or you leave this country! Stop building churches or you'll pay the consequences!"
In a separate incident, another person threatened, "We know what you are doing here. Stop building churches. Convert to Islam, which is the true religion. Otherwise we will make a horrible example of you."
Another church planter Ata-ur-Rehman said that most Christians and Muslims are able to live peacefully in Pakistan, but there is a group of Muslims who express their “religious intolerance.”
"My family and I are scared and worried because I continue to receive threats. Where can we go to enjoy religious freedom? This is our country; we have lived here for generations,” David said.
"Still, I dedicated my life to Christ and I shall continue to serve His people, no matter what happens."
Publication date: May 14, 2015
