Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin – No. 243 – Tue 28 Oct 2003

——————————————————– PAKISTAN: CHRISTIAN ‘VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS’ THREATENED ——————————————————–

The WEA RL Prayer ministry is issuing an urgent prayer request for Mr Shahbaz Bhatti.

Mr Shahbaz Bhatti is a prominent voice for the voiceless of Pakistan. He is the Founder & President of the Christian Liberation Front Pakistan (CLF), the Chairman of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA), and the Executive Director of the Pakistan Council for Human Rights. He is a Christian who works tirelessly and courageously, despite threats and dangers, for the Christians of Pakistan.

Pakistan’s government security agencies have been threatening Mr Shahbaz Bhatti for several months. They have warned him clearly that if he will not stop raising his voice against the persecution and victimisation of religious minorities in Pakistan, he will be punished severely or even assassinated.

Shahbaz Bhatti says, ‘Even if I am arrested or assassinated, I will be spiritually satisfied because I am being persecuted for HIS name’s sake and in spite of all these harassments and threats, I will continue to be the voice of voiceless Christians of Pakistan.’

His name has been placed on Pakistan’s Exit Control List, normally reserved for criminals and dissidents. This means that he is not able to travel. Shahbaz Bhatti fears he is at imminent risk of loss of life or liberty on account of his advocacy for religious minorities in Pakistan. The situation is deteriorating daily.

Advocacy is under way, but please, advocate for him now before the Living God. Please pray.

‘Many seek the ruler’s favour, but justice comes from the Lord.’ Proverbs 29:26 NLT

—————————————————- Previous RLPs may be viewed at http://www.evangelicalalliance.org.au/rlc/ If you downloaded this message from a website or it was forwarded to you, you may receive future editions by sending an empty e-mail to <>

Please send this RLP to others, with attribution to World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) Religious Liberty Prayer List <> —————————————————-

The WEA Religious Liberty Commission sponsors this RL Prayer List to help individuals and groups pray specifically and regularly for religious liberty issues, and in particular to uphold the Church where it is suffering persecution.

RL Prayer is moderated by Ron Clough, a commissioner of the WEA RLC and convenor of the Australian EA RLC.

Elizabeth Kendal researched and authored this message.