Urgent Appeal:Three Christian Sewage Workers Die of Noxious Fumes; Christian Man Killed by Acid, Raising Death Toll

Published: Sat, 07/20/24

Updated: Sun, 07/21/24

Urgent Appeal:Three Christian Sewage Workers Die of Noxious Fumes; Christian Man Killed by Acid, Raising Death Toll

Dear all,

As we enjoy the warmth of summer and thank God for His blessings, let us also remember those who are less fortunate.

At the same time "Let the poor say, I am rich" (Joel 3:10, KJV). These profound words encapsulate the transformative power of the Gospel and the potential for change, even in the face of adversity.

In this newsletter, we once again highlight the unsafe working conditions faced by sewage workers and sweepers, most of whom are Christians. In a country where provincial governments advertise minority-only applications, this is declared as a form of positive discrimination meant to provide minorities with secure government jobs.

Recently, three sewage workers were killed while attempting to save a colleague, raising serious concerns about the safety culture in Pakistan (click here).

Additionally, a sweeper was forced to work by employers who demanded he dispose of Eid sacrifice remains. Tragically, he died from exhaustion and infection (click here).

In another case, a Christian man had acid poured down his throat after being falsely accused of theft (click here).

A Christian woman was martyred in India by members of her tribe for refusing to renounce her faith (click here).

In a heart-breaking account, three children lost their lives after a roof collapse in Pakistan (click here).

Finally, a young man, only 21 years old, was beaten to death by his employer for requesting higher wages. His 13-year-old brother was locked in another room, forced to listen to his agonizing cries, and later instructed to call their parents when Waqas passed away (click here).

Exciting News: Major Donation for a Permanent Safe Home

We are thrilled to share some good news! A generous donor has offered us up to £7,500 to purchase a permanent safe home. This home will significantly reduce waiting times for suffering Christians seeking to escape persecution, potentially saving lives in the process. You can learn more about this priority appeal and make a donation (here). Your support is crucial in making this lifesaving initiative a reality.

We remind you of our appeal for persecuted Christians in Manipur, India, where persecution has escalated into a large-scale humanitarian crisis. Approximately 70,000 internally displaced Christians are receiving minimal aid, primarily provided by churches. We have made this our priority appeal for the coming months. Read more (here).

Our volunteers and staff continue to reach Christians suffering abject persecution, steep discrimination and bigotry daily. It is exhausting work, and we ask that you remember them in your prayers.

10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10

Blessings to you all.

Hannah Chowdhry

If you are a regular reader and want to support our work, you can find a range of options for giving donations (here). If you are already giving donations and reside in the UK you may want to switch from Paypal or Stripe payments and pay directly into the charity bank account as we will receive more of your donation. Our bank details are in the same link above.

For donors in the US, we have recently established a partnership with a US charity who act as a conduit allowing US Citizens to have tax relief on their donations. If you wish to receive details on how to donate to us through them, please feel free to request details via email at admin@britishasianchristians.org.

We upload videos for all our stories on YouTube, Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and you can join any of our groups for free. But in most cases it is easier to read our news in real-time blog via our 'Current News' page 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 review our previous newsletter (here). If any appeals resonate with you, we invite you to consider making a donation. Your contributions enable us to expand our efforts and make a meaningful impact.

Although we receive the majority of our donations when we send out appeals, establishing regular donations would enable us to better respond to emergencies. We extend our encouragement to those of you who eagerly await our newsletters to consider regular donations, as this would significantly alleviate waiting times for the individuals we support. For those residing in the UK, the most cost-effective donation method is via bank transfer. Our bank details are readily available on our donate page for your convenience. Your ongoing support is invaluable in our mission to make a positive impact in the lives of those in need.

Some appeals remain unsatisfied due to a shortage of donations, which may be attributed to our recent email delays and an increase in the number of appeals. We're sharing our last newsletter with you again (here), inviting you to review and consider contributing to any outstanding appeals. Your support is greatly appreciated in helping us meet the needs of those we serve.

Join Us in Creating a Permanent Safe Haven for Pakistani Christians: A Call for Support

The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) is excited to announce a crucial initiative that will make a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable Christians in Pakistan. We are launching a priority appeal to establish a permanent safe house dedicated to providing protection and support for children and women who are victims of rape, blasphemy law survivors, other persecuted Christians and their families.

Tragedy Amid Eid ul Adha: The Untimely Death of Yaqoob Masih, a Sanitary Worker’s Sacrifice

On June 17th, during Pakistan’s celebration of Eid ul Adha, Yaqoob Masih, a Christian sanitary worker aged 50, tragically passed away while fulfilling his duty of clearing sacrificial waste from the streets of Sharaqpur Sharif.

His family only learned of his situation when a supervisor contacted Ayub Masih, Yaqoob’s 19-year-old son, informing him that his father was receiving treatment at Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Sharqpur. Despite efforts to stabilize him, Yaqoob was transferred to MAYO Hospital Lahore, where he succumbed to a heart attack after battling unconsciousness for four hours. His wife, Shabana Bibi, shared that Yaqoob had initially felt unwell but was pressured by supervisors to continue working.

Tragic Loss in Bhalwal: Three Sanitary Workers Succumb to Poisonous Gases, Families Left in Grief

A tragic incident occurred in Satellite Town Bhalwal, Pakistan where three Christian sanitary workers lost their lives while clearing a blockage from a water disposal tank. The workers—identified as Irfan Masih (35 years old), Babar Masih (30 years old), Ratan Masih (34 years old), and Naeem Masih—arrived at the disposal tank around 6:00 am to address the issue.

On Wednesday 12th June Babar Masih and Naeem Masih descended into a sewage disposal tank to dig out the sewage on the floor of the tank, then fill iron pots, which were to be pulled up by Ratan Masih and Irfan Masih using ropes. During this operation, the workers inhaled poisonous gases emanating from the tank.

Christian Woman Brutally Murdered in Chhattisgarh: Religious Intolerance Escalates

INDIA: The village of Toylanka in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district was recently shaken by a horrific incident of religious violence, marking a tragic turn for religious tolerance in the region.

Bindu Sodhi, a 46-year-old woman, was brutally murdered on June 24, 2024, reportedly by fanatic Hindu relatives.

The reason behind this gruesome act: Sodhi’s steadfast adherence to Christianity despite warnings and threats from her own community.

Shahid Masih’s Death by Acid Highlights Persistent Human Rights Concerns in Pakistan

On May 8th, Shahid Masih, a 35-year-old Christian dairy worker, was unjustly accused of theft and subjected to horrific torture by his employer, Muhammad Ijaz. In the village of Ghang Sheikhupura, Ijaz allegedly forced Shahid to ingest a corrosive substance, leaving him unconscious and in critical condition. Realizing the severity of his injuries, the perpetrators rushed Shahid to the Trauma Centre in Sheikhupura. However, despite initial medical intervention, Shahid’s condition worsened, necessitating his transfer to Mayo Hospital in Lahore for specialized care.

Tragic Loss in Kasur: Appeal for Help After Roof Collapse Claims Lives of Three Children

On the evening of June 3rd, tragedy struck in Shaikhum, Kasur, as the roof of Waris Masih’s single-room home collapsed, claiming the lives of three young children from two Christian families. The victims were Numan Waris (2 years old), Sawera Yaqoob (11 years old), and Sunita Yaqoob (10 years old). The BACA team attended their funeral and covered the funeral expenses.

On the fateful evening of Monday, June 3rd, Rubina Bibi (32 years old), the younger sister of Waris Masih (40 years old), along with her husband Yaqoob Masih and their four children, arrived at her brother’s house for a casual visit. Waris Masih and his family were delighted to have the guests and prepared dinner for them. Around 9:00 pm, as both families were ready to eat, a heavy wind blew, prompting them to seek safety in the room. Just as they entered, a boundary wall from the roof of Riaz Masih’s house fell onto Waris Masih’s roof, causing it to collapse.

Seeking Justice for Waqas Masih: Confronting the Systemic Injustice that Led to the Violent Death of a Christian Worker

On June 6th, Waqas Masih, an 18-year-old Christian, met a tragic end at the hands of his employer, Haji Saleem, along with his son Umer Saleem and their associates at a factory in Islam Pura, Lahore. Waqas was forcefully taken to the factory where he was subjected to brutal beatings, which ultimately led to his death. The alleged motive behind this violence stemmed from accusations of theft.

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Help for Persecuted Christians
PO Box 6945 London W1A 6US
UNITED KINGDOM

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Urgent Appeal:Three Christian Sewage Workers Die of Noxious Fumes; Christian Man Killed by Acid, Raising Death Toll

Urgent Appeal:Three Christian Sewage Workers Die of Noxious Fumes; Christian Man Killed by Acid, Raising Death Toll

Exciting News: Major Donation for a Permanent Safe Home

Join Us in Creating a Permanent Safe Haven for Pakistani Christians: A Call for Support

Tragedy Amid Eid ul Adha: The Untimely Death of Yaqoob Masih, a Sanitary Worker’s Sacrifice

Tragic Loss in Bhalwal: Three Sanitary Workers Succumb to Poisonous Gases, Families Left in Grief

Christian Woman Brutally Murdered in Chhattisgarh: Religious Intolerance Escalates

Shahid Masih’s Death by Acid Highlights Persistent Human Rights Concerns in Pakistan

Tragic Loss in Kasur: Appeal for Help After Roof Collapse Claims Lives of Three Children

Seeking Justice for Waqas Masih: Confronting the Systemic Injustice that Led to the Violent Death of a Christian Worker

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