February 2023 Persecution Magazine
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Peril in Pakistan<br />
The reality of persecution was cemented for me, in<br />
part, as I sat in the back seat of a car in Pakistan eons<br />
ago. It was during an in-country visit shortly after I<br />
took the helm of International Christian Concern (ICC). As<br />
I glanced out the window, I felt the rage of a terrorist who<br />
wanted to kill me (more on that later).<br />
That incident gave me a glimpse of the dangers our persecuted<br />
brothers and sisters face in Pakistan, but it was a<br />
widow who pierced my heart during that same visit.<br />
Pastor Mukhtar had a heart for serving Muslims. He witnessed<br />
to them for Christ, cared for them, loved them. Yet<br />
despite strangers’ repeated death threats, warnings, and<br />
visits to his doorstep, insisting he stop, Pastor Mukhtar continued<br />
to preach to lost and hurting souls. You’ll read more<br />
of my encounter with his widow on page 8.<br />
Radicals assassinated him, leaving his wife to raise six children<br />
and survive in a community that hated her, too. My<br />
time spent with Mrs. Mukhtar was one of the most memorable<br />
experiences of my ministry life.<br />
Jeff King, President<br />
International Christian Concern<br />
Author: The Last Words of the Martyrs and<br />
Islam Uncensored<br />
We cover Pakistan this month to bring special attention to<br />
this gaping wound of a place for believers. It’s a dangerous<br />
mess and has been for quite some time. The country’s carte<br />
blanche endorsement of Islam and blasphemy laws bring<br />
constant peril to followers of Jesus. It is one of the worst<br />
places to be a Christian on our planet.<br />
As you recall, that peril reared its ugly head about a decade<br />
ago when two suicide bombers killed 127 people and injured<br />
250 more at All-Saints Church. We have chronicled<br />
that incident over the years and continue to support victims.<br />
We will bring special attention to the massacre on its<br />
10th anniversary later this year.<br />
Thank you for coming alongside the persecuted and supporting<br />
our ongoing projects in Pakistan. Please know how<br />
much it means to us and our brothers and sisters who want<br />
desperately to openly worship their Savior but can only do<br />
so behind closed doors.<br />
In Him.<br />
- JEFF<br />
PERSECUTION.ORG 3
Change language