Urgent Concern: Escalating Violence Against Christians: A Grim Reality in India and PakistanIf you've been following our recent blog posts, you're already aware of the alarming surge in Christian persecution in Pakistan and India. This has led to a collaborative protest and we urge you all to join us today (9th September) [learn more by clicking here] or to sign our petition (here). Individuals who have long held an affection for their homeland, despite living in the shadow of Islamic extremism, have reached a breaking point. Many are now seeking asylum in foreign nations. Among those most vulnerable are the deeply marginalized and illiterate
Christians, particularly those trapped in the harsh conditions of Pakistan's brutal brick kilns or in the scheduled castes of India. BACA has been inundated with an average of seven emails per week from desperate Christians seeking assistance to leave their country. Our board of trustees recently convened with David Oswnett, a new volunteer tasked with producing a series of videos on Asian Christian history and Evangelism for us. During this meeting, presided over by Pastor Andrew Willis of Ilford High Road Baptist Church, we engaged in a discussion centered around the 'Theology of Suffering.' It was emphasized that we do not advocate for mass asylum of Christians to other
nations, as this would deplete Pakistan and India of God's people and their spiritual influence. We have, on several occasions, reminded Christians facing difficulties that our scriptural
calling is to share the Gospel worldwide and to bear our cross when necessary. However, we do support the idea of asylum when it becomes an imperative, and we have assisted numerous genuine asylum seekers in finding refuge. "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." James 1:12 Our sentiments on this matter extend
to, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh, the other countries we currently represent. We kindly request that you keep all these nations in your prayers.
At the conclusion of this newsletter,
we have provided a list of our most recent updates. I strongly urge you to watch this video to witness firsthand the risks our officers face and the remarkable patience they exhibit while working in Pakistan. On the very next day following an incident where a mob razed over 100 homes, they courageously journeyed to Jaranwala, even in the face of ongoing threats of further attacks. Despite being pushed and confronted by desperate individuals seeking sustenance, they remained composed and
steadfast in distributing food, bedding, and essential sanitary products, a mission they continue to carry out.: For those who regularly follow our updates and wish to contribute to our mission, various donation options are available (here). If you are currently making donations and reside in the UK, you might consider transitioning from PayPal or Stripe
payments to direct transfers into our charity bank account. This approach ensures that a greater portion of your donation reaches us. Our bank details can be found within the same link mentioned above. please note our official charity name is 'Help for Persecuted Christians'. Additionally, we make a point of sharing video content for all our stories on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter [click any icon below]. You are welcome to join any of our groups at no cost. Nevertheless, for the most seamless experience, we recommend accessing our real-time news blog through the 'Current News' page located in the header of our website. For those who prefer to await our
newsletter, we have conveniently compiled all our recent news chronologically below. This comprehensive list encompasses all the updates that were not featured in our prior newsletter. In case any of the provided links encounter issues, you can access all our international news articles by clicking on the designated box below. This will lead you to our website, where you can navigate to the 'Current News' section and select 'BACA News.' Furthermore, you can find additional updates under 'Current News' followed by 'Community Projects' for an overview of all our projects within the UK. Your continued interest and engagement with our work are greatly appreciated. You can still give to the appeals from the previous
newsletter which can be accessed (here).
Christian Community in Tandlianwala, Faisalabad, Forced to Flee Amid Threats and Fear
In a distressing incident that unfolded on the night of September 6th, the Christian community residing in Tandlianwala, District
Faisalabad, was compelled to evacuate their homes due to imminent threats from a portion of the Muslim population. The catalyst for this
alarming situation was an ex-Christian woman who threatened the community, stating that she would accuse them of blasphemy if they opposed her amoral activities that compromised the Christian values of the residents. The police have arrested the woman and ensured the protection of the community against any impending danger of Muslims attacking the Christian community.
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Food Parcels and a Gift of Charpai Bring Solace and Joy to Desperate Christian Families at Jaranwala
In the small town of Jaranwala, located in the heart of Pakistan, a cloud of fear and despair descended upon the Christian community
16th August 2023. Allegations of blasphemy and desecration of the Holy Quran set off a chain of events that led to violence, destruction, and
displacement. Read more (here). Since the first few hours after the attack, the British Asian Christian Association has been involved in supporting the families affected by the attack. They initially provided housing for 15 families and offered food (click here) to those who were left destitute by the attack (click here). Now, BACA is actively engaged in assisting with the extensive restoration efforts for these families.
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Aleeza Masih, Survivor of Church Terrorist Attack, Continues to Inspire as She Overcomes Challenges with Help from BACA
Aleeza Masih, a resilient 6-year-old survivor of a harrowing terrorist attack on a church in Quetta in 2017, has emerged as a symbol
of courage and determination. Despite losing her left leg and facing numerous medical challenges, Aleeza’s indomitable spirit shines brightly,
thanks to the support she receives from the UK-based charity, British Asian Christian Association (BACA).
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Escalating Religious Intolerance: Christians in Pakistan Forced to Flee Amid Blasphemy Accusations
Religious intolerance in Pakistan has reached alarming levels, with recent announcements made in local mosques driving the Christian
community in Sheikhupura, Punjab, to flee their homes for their safety. The situation has ignited concerns about the safety and well-being of
religious minorities in the country, who increasingly find themselves targeted by baseless accusations.
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Tragedy Strikes: Disabled Christian Farm Worker in Faisalabad Brutally Murdered Over Unpaid Loan
In a chilling and heart-wrenching incident that underscores the vulnerability of minority communities in Pakistan, Ahsan Masih, a
disabled Christian farm worker in Faisalabad, was forcibly detained and subjected to extreme brutality by Muslim landlords, ultimately leading to his tragic death. Ahsan’s abduction, torment, and subsequent murder have exposed the harrowing challenges faced by religious minorities in the country and have once again ignited calls for justice and protection.
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Miraculous Survival: Defying Coerced Conversion Attempt in Faisalabad Gun Attack.
In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through Christian communities throughout Pakistan, Pastor Alizer Sidhu (33 yrs), a
devoted clergyman serving at the Presbyterian Church in Khunwana, Faisalabad, narrowly escaped a life-threatening attack at 9.30pm on Sunday evening (03.09.23) while returning home from visiting some church families. This attempt on his life has raised concerns about the safety of religious minorities in Pakistan and underscores the need for greater protection and religious tolerance.
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Fear Grips Christian Community as Quranic Script Appears on Church Walls in Pakistan
Christians in Pakistan are facing heightened fear and concern following two alarming incidents involving the appearance of Quranic
script on the walls of churches. On 20th August, images depicting Quranic verses written on the walls of Central Brooks Church in Saddar,
Karachi went viral on social media, intensifying existing anxieties. The inscriptions underscore a disturbing trend suggesting a coordinated
effort rather than isolated incidents.
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Christians in Pakistan Face Ongoing Threats as Blasphemy Laws Cast a Shadow of Fear
Following the recent violent assault on more than 200 homes and 26 churches in Jaranwala, another disturbing episode has unfolded in
which yet another blasphemy allegation has been leveled against Christians. The alarming incident is compounded by the ominous threats made by
certain Muslims to incite a mob attack reminiscent of the Jaranwala tragedy, leading to the potential destruction of innocent Christian homes. Unveiling a disconcerting twist, it has been revealed that the threat to raze the homes of Christian residents in Dhok Syeedan was in fact an elaborate attempt to extort money from his own vulnerable Christian family by an individual who had converted to Islam. While prompt police intervention succeeded in averting a catastrophe, it is crucial to recognize that addressing these concerns requires sustained effort.
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