Sermon Illustrations
Persecuted Christians in Pakistan Love Their Enemies
The Christians in Pakistan comprise only 2.5 percent of the total population, a mere "fly on the wall" in this officially Islamic nation. (Ninety-seven percent of Pakistanis are Muslims.) The Rev. Munawar K. Rumalshah, a Christian leader in the northern city of Peshawar, reports on the government-endorsed "social and economic suffocation of the Christian community" in Pakistan. Pakistan's anti-blasphemy laws pose a constant threat for Christians. In addition, Rumalshah said that in his province alone local mobs have publically urinated on Bibles and closed four churches.
However, despite this overt hatred towards Christians, Rumalshah isn't bitter. Instead, he works for better relationships with his Muslim neighbors. He views the persecution as an opportunity to display Christ's love to others, even militant Muslims like al-Qaeda members.
Rumalshah summarized how his church responds to persecution: "We clean the wounds of those who hate us and those who would kill us."