St. Filian's Church Photo from Compass Direct

Christian communities in two areas in Punjab province came under attack in recent weeks. On July 1, an unidentified motorcyclist tossed a grenade in front of the gates of St. Filian's Church of Pakistan located in Sargodha. Thankfully, the explosive did not detonate and was safely removed from the site. High-ranking police officials have cordoned off the area and declared Sargodha under "High Red Alert."

On July 5, Islamic extremists threatened that they and local police would demolish the Apostolic Church Pakistan building in Lahorianwali, Narang Mandi with a bulldozer. They also threatened to destroy homes belonging to believers. Christian leaders contacted district police and were able to intervene in the planned attack. "[The militants] said that if we ever tried to rebuild the walls or renovate the frail Apostolic Church building, they would create a scene here like Gojra," said local Christian Zulfiqar Gill, referring to August 2009 attacks that left at least seven Christians dead (click here for more information). (Source: Compass Direct)

Please pray these Christians will remain faithful and will not give up meeting together. Pray for the safety of believers in Pakistan. Pray that their bold witness will draw many to Christ.

For more on the persecution of Pakistani Christians, go to the Pakistan Country Report.