October 2023 Persecution Magazine

WWW.PERSECUTION.ORG
OCTOBER 2023
PERSECU ION
HIGHLIGHTING ICC’S SOUTH ASIA REGION
PERSECU ION
PERSECU ION
PERSECU ION.ORG
INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONCERN
A Community in Shock
PERSECU ION.ORG
MOB BURNS CHURCHES IN PAKISTAN, ONLY TO
INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONCERN
DISCOVER THAT THE “CHURCH” ISN’T A BUILDING
PERSECU ION.ORG
INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONCERN

Contents
OCTOBER 2023
ON THE COVER
In Pakistan, 5,000 radical Muslims recently went
on a rampage attacking Jaranwala, a Christian
suburb of Faisalabad. They set at least 26
churches on fire and damaged or destroyed at
least 196 homes.
Photo: International Christian Concern
FEATURES
10
PERIL IN
PAKISTAN
18
THE STRUGGLE THAT
HAUNTS A GENERATION
20 22
A BRICK KILN WORKER’S
TALE OF SURVIVAL
THE AFGHAN EXODUS
A Christian Community’s
Struggle to Survive
The Untold Stories of
Pakistan’s Brick Kiln Workers
The Agonizing Days for an
Endless Pit of Debt
When persecution fuels
the rapid expansion of the
church in Iran.
RECURRING
04
06
08
24
26
ICC NEWSROOM Your Source for Persecution News
WEST WATCH Issues Involving Christianity in the West
YOUR HANDS AND FEET ICC Projects Made Possible by Our Supporters
HOPE HOUSE Transforming the Tomorrows of India’s Youngest Generation
CROWNS OF COURAGE Inspiration from Memorable Martyrs
@persecuted @persecutionnews @internationalchristianconcern International Christian Concern
OUR MISSION: Since 1996, ICC has served the global
persecuted church through a three-pronged approach of
advocacy, awareness, and assistance. ICC exists to bandage
the wounds of persecuted Christians and to build the church
in the toughest parts of the world.
DONATIONS: International Christian Concern (ICC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) (all
donations tax-deductible). ICC makes every effort to honor donor wishes in regards to
their gifts. Occasionally, a situation will arise where a project is no longer viable. ICC
will redirect those donated funds to one of our other funds that is most similar to the
donor’s original wishes.
© Copyright 2023 ICC, Washington, D.C., USA. All rights reserved.
Permission to reproduce all or part of this publication is granted
provided attribution is given to ICC as the source.
STAFF
Publisher Jeff King
Managing Editor Alex Finch
Editor and Designer Hannah Campbell
2
Persecution | OCTOBER 2023

When All is Lost, We Show Up
You are sitting in your home, relaxing and playing with your toddler
after dinner. Your wife is reading in the living room when
you begin to hear the roar of a massive and angry crowd moving
toward your home.
In the West you would be puzzled and wander outside to investigate. In
Pakistan, you scream to your wife to grab the baby as you pick up your
toddler and flee with nothing but the clothes on your back, hoping
you have just enough time to escape an enraged mob that’s come to
destroy your neighborhood.
This isn’t theoretical, but rather reality for so many Christians in Pakistan.
I’ve seen it more times than I care to recount, including just a few
weeks ago in the neighborhood of Jaranwala, outside of Faisalabad.
You can read the details on page 10 as hundreds of families were left
homeless and living in the fields. Our staff was on the ground the next
day surveying the damage, recording the names and circumstances of
the victims, and giving initial aid (food, cooking pots, soap, etc.).
The real recovery will take many months, if not years, but we are determined
to link arms and help them rebuild.
We are the family of God, and this is what we do. The lost look on and
wonder why people from across the world care about the victims and
then their neighbors tell them, “My brothers and sisters from across
the world have rescued us, for we are all one body.”
If you would like to join us in this effort, please visit www.persecution.
org/pakistan-in-peril.
We will use your gifts ethically, efficiently, and effectively.
God bless you!
JEFF
Jeff King, President
International Christian Concern
Author: The Last Words of the Martyrs and
Islam Uncensored
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you
talking among yourselves about having no bread?”
- MATTHEW 16:8
PERSECUTION.ORG 3

ICC Newsroom
YOUR SOURCE FOR PERSECUTION NEWS
A Buddhist temple at Lumbini, Nepal, the birth place of Buddha/iStock
Two Nepalese Churches Attacked in Growing Trend
An attack on a church in Nepal’s Lumbini Province was just
the latest in a string of recent violence against Christians
in the country. The church is in the southern Nawalparasi
district of Lumbini along the border with India’s Uttar Pradesh
state and was one of two churches in the same town that were
vandalized over one weekend last month.
Photos and videos reviewed by International Christian Concern
(ICC) showed broken windows and other signs of violence
around the property, including damage to fencing and a broken
motorbike. Another photo shared on social media showed
two men, identified as pastors, being assaulted on the street.
Gathered locals appear to have smeared the pastors’ faces with
a sticky black substance in an act described by ICC contacts as a
cultural sign of hatred and disrespect.
ICC has learned that the attacks in Lumbini are the sixth and
seventh such attacks against churches in Nepal in the last two
weeks. “It’s spreading like wildfire,” a Nepalese civil society
leader said about the recent spate of attacks. Perpetrators,
seeing little to no response from the authorities in recent weeks,
“are encouraged to act more,” he told ICC.
News of another incident of men assaulting Christians, this time
in Janakpur, emerged on Tuesday as word of Monday’s attack on
the two pastors spread.
In Kathmandu, the country’s capital city, two men were
apparently arrested and taken to court for street preaching.
Though the country’s constitution ostensibly protects religious
freedom, it does so in vague enough terms to allow a law today
that criminalizes proselytization.
Chapter 19 of the Muluki Ain, or general code of Nepal, states
that “no one shall propagate any religion in such manner as to
undermine the religion of other nor shall cause other to convert
his or her religion.”
Religious minorities are regularly arrested and charged under
this law, which goes beyond its neighbor India’s bans on forced
conversions to criminalizing participation in the act of conversion
in any form. In Nepal, proselytization carries with it the threat of
up to six years in prison and subsequent deportation in the case
of foreigners.
The U.S. Department of State highlighted its concerns with
Nepal’s anti-conversion and anti-proselytization laws in a report
published earlier this year. “Multiple religious groups in the
country,” the report stated, “[continue] to reiterate that the
constitutional and criminal code provisions governing religious
conversion and proselytism [are] vague and contradictory and
[open] the door for prosecution for actions carried out in the
normal course of practicing one’s religion.
4
Persecution | OCTOBER 2023

VISIT OUR WEBSITE, PERSECUTION.ORG, FOR THE LATEST NEWS
Islamic
Extremist
Groups Killed
2,500 Christians
in Six Months
Five Sentenced to Life for Murder of
American Christian in Baghdad
Five individuals—four Iraqi militia
members and one Iranian national—were
recently sentenced to life imprisonment by
an Iraqi court for the murder of American
Christian Stephen Troell that took place in
November 2022.
The five individuals stated that their
attempt was to kidnap Stephen and hold
him for ransom, but instead ended up
shooting him dead while Stephen was
driving his car in Baghdad. Stephen was
survived by his wife and three daughters.
At the time of the assassination, it was
unclear exactly if Stephen himself was
a target. Some reports highlight that
his murderers claimed that he was an
American spy and thus a target for Iran
and powerful Baghdad-based Iranianbacked
militias due to inaccurate Iranian
government media claims that he was
employed with USAID. Other reports state
that he was also targeted by the militias
due to his activity of publicly sharing his
faith online in a Muslim-majority city
like Baghdad and thus had been under
surveillance by militias for a period of time
leading up to his assassination.
Terrorists Kill Two, Burn Down Church and 10 Homes
On August 22, suspected al-Shabaab terrorists carried out deadly attacks in Kenya,
resulting in two fatalities and the destruction of ten homes and a church. In Salama
village, the Redeemed Gospel church pastor issued a distress call to an ICC staffer at
2:00 a.m., reporting a terrorist assault that had engulfed their church in flames while
also setting fire to nearby residences. The al-Shabaab militants, originating from Somalia,
specifically targeted the church and its vicinity.
Fulani militants and other allied
jihadist groups slaughtered 2,500
Christians in Nigeria in the first
six months of 2023. The data
came from a report published
by the International Society for
Civil Liberties and Rule of Law,
a Nigerian investigative firm
focusing on human rights issues.
The data highlights concern
about frequent incidents of
persecution against Christians
in Nigeria in the areas where
Islamic extremist groups, such as
the Fulani militants, operate. This
comes after Fulani militants killed
37 Christians in Nigeria in three
weeks, according to a report from
International Christian Concern
(ICC).
ICC reported on efforts to add
Nigeria to the list of Countries
of Particular Concern (CPC)
published by the U.S. Department
of State. The State Department
did not place Nigeria on the CPC,
despite the recommendation
from the U.S. Commission on
International Religious Freedom.
Authorities noted the attacks’ coordinated nature, but swift security responses prevented
further casualties. Security forces pursued the assailants into the Boni forest, a notorious
hiding place for the terrorist group responsible for multiple recent fatalities.
In a separate incident on the Lamu Garsen road, two motorists fell victim to an al-Shabaab
ambush. Travelers were forced to recite the Islamic shahada to spare their lives, with two
individuals declining and subsequently losing their lives to gunfire.
PERSECUTION.ORG 5

West Watch
ISSUES INVOLVING CHRISTIANITY IN THE WEST
Photo: ADFInternational.org
Right: ICC President Jeff King with Päivi Räsänen and her husband Niilo Räsänen.
UPDATE: Päivi Räsänen’s Battle for Religious
Freedom and Free Speech
We wanted to share an update and express our gratitude
for the nearly 1,000 of our supporters who quickly
rallied together to sign ICC’s petition in support of Päivi
Räsänen.
Räsänen, a Finnish Member of Parliament, faces charges for
tweeting a Bible verse. Her case has led to a fascinating discussion
on the role of religious freedom and free speech in the public
square.
ICC President Jeff King has had the opportunity to interview her a
few times and share the story from her own words. She explained
that, if she were to be convicted, her case would be a tipping
point of persecution for her nation. Receiving charges for simply
tweeting a Bible verse, the message was clear: Keep your religious
opinions out of the public square.
Her case has been a rollercoaster over the past four years and
raises a number of questions about the importance of free
speech. Her trial began on August 29, and at the time of writing
this article, we are monitoring the case closely.
Her ongoing legal battle has become a symbol of the delicate
balance between religious freedom and free speech in modern
society.
Facing charges for a simple act–tweeting a Bible verse–Räsänen’s
case has captured international attention. For many, it raises
concerns about the erosion of fundamental freedoms in a world
that increasingly scrutinizes and, in some cases, penalizes religious
expression.
Päivi Räsänen’s journey is not just her own; it serves as a reminder
that the struggle for religious freedom and free speech is an
ongoing battle that demands our attention and support.
We are grateful for the outpouring of support from nearly 1,000
individuals who have stood with us in solidarity. We will continue
to monitor the case closely and advocate for the principles that
underpin a free and open society. As always, we will continue to
keep you updated on this ongoing situation.
Visit International Christian Concern’s YouTube channel to watch
the full interview with King and Räsänen.
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Persecution | OCTOBER 2023

The Tennes Family’s Stand for Religious Freedom
A federal appeals court ruled in favor of a Christian
family in Michigan that was allegedly discriminated
against by a local government policy.
The Tennes family farm, known as Country Mill
Farms, is well known for its apples, cider, and
generous donations to local food banks. Their goods
have become a staple in the market in East Lansing,
so when a new government policy designed to
exclude Country Mill Farms was created, attention
was drawn to the absence of the beloved member of
the community.
The policy was created in response to a social media
post Steve Tennes made on his farm’s account which
affirmed the Catholic view of marriage.
A federal court ruled in August in favor of the Tennes
family, saying they “forced to choose between
following their religious beliefs and a government
benefit for which they were otherwise qualified.” This
decision has allowed the Tennes family to continue
pursuing their mission statement: “glorifying God
by facilitating family fun on the farm and feeding
families.”
Photo of Steve Tennes courtesy of the ADF
Denmark’s Move to Safeguard
Sacred Texts
Government leaders in Denmark recently said they will propose a law that
will make it illegal to desecrate any holy book in Denmark.
This proposal comes after global outrage sparked by several burnings of the
Quran and instances of retaliation in both Denmark and Sweden. Historically,
Denmark has been viewed as a country the facilitates the denigration of
cultures, religions, and traditions.
The new law Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard explained that “the bill will
make it punishable, for example, to burn the Quran or the Bible in public. It
will only aim at action in a public place or with the intention of spreading in
a wider circle.”
Hummelgaard further explained that these actions will become punishable
by fines or up to two years in prison. While freedom of expression is regarded
with utmost importance in Danish society, government officials including
Hummelgaard believe this law to develop guidelines, but not restrictions,
for the standards their culture has upheld.
PERSECUTION.ORG 7

Your Hands and Feet
ICC PROJECTS MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR SUPPORTERS
ICC Restores Mobility and Dreams
for 4-Year-Old Justine
AFRICA
RESTORE: LIVES & COMMUNITIES
Displaced by the ruthless conflict ignited by the Allied
Democratic Forces in Eastern Congo, a Christian family
found solace in a refugee town. The harrowing tale of
their flight from their hometown, marred by attacks that
decimated their village, was etched in their memories.
To make matters worse, their daughter, Justine, was struck
by a fever at four years old that stole her speech and
mobility.
After hearing of the family’s tribulations, ICC extended a
helping hand and provided Justine with a wheelchair – the
key to unlocking Justine’s world, offering her the gift of
movement and autonomy.
The family’s gratitude overflowed; their hearts touched
not only by tangible support but the hope of a brighter
future. Her mother told ICC, “I am very happy and I thank
ICC for all they have done for my child Justine...God bless
ICC. Don’t forget to pray for us in this country, because
many people are suffering. Pray for us so peace can be
restored. My family and I, we are refugees here. God bless
you so much.”
After implementing the project, ICC staff received
miraculous news from the family. “Justine is improving
slowly by slowly. There is hope in the coming days, to walk
herself.”
8
Persecution | OCTOBER 2023

SOUTH ASIA
ICC Steps in to Aid
Christian Farmers
Affected by Riots
RESCUE: WIVES & KIDS
MIDDLE EAST
Hope From Honeybees
MESSENGERS: UNDERGROUND WORKERS
Yousif, born into a troubled, impoverished, practicing Muslim family, embraced
Islam early. Despite religious conflicts, he encountered Jesus often, causing
confusion in his world. A decade later, plagued by a mysterious ailment, Yousif
tried numerous Muslim healers without success. Despondent, he met a Christian
friend who revealed Jesus as a Savior, not just a prophet.
Praying to Jesus, his despair lifted, healing him. He believed Jesus saved him,
leading him to convert and share the gospel, preaching forgiveness, love, and
salvation. He transformed into a sociable preacher, embracing Jesus’ teachings.
He went to a theology school for five years and returned to start a family and
preach the gospel. Currently, Yousif shepherds dozens of groups on a volunteer
basis and he pastors a house church network. But he has no means to make an
income. He was recently fired from his job after his Muslim boss found out he was
a Christian. His parents rejected him as they believe Islam is the superior religion.
Yousif is an experienced gardener and grows vegetables. Earlier this year, Yousif
gained training on beekeeping. ICC provided Yousif with a beehive to begin his
apiculture endeavor to care for his family and continue his ministry work.
Between December 18, 2022, and
January 2, 2023, a series of anti-
Christian riots caused significant harm.
Among the victims were 26 Christian
families. This farming community
faced the loss of their seeds and grains
as their homes were looted during the
riots – an especially devastating loss
as these Christian farmers rely solely
on their crops for sustenance. With
their homes destroyed and belongings
stolen, their families now confront an
insurmountable struggle for survival.
The violent events, instigated by
radical Hindu nationalists, displaced
numerous Christians and left many
injured. The impact was widespread,
affecting over 2,000 individuals. The
relentless campaign by these radicals
has instilled fear within the Christian
community in India.
To alleviate the dire situation, ICC
assisted severely affected Christians
by providing seeds and fertilizers to
enable farming. This support aims to
ensure sustenance for these families
throughout the year, beginning with
aiding 26 families in the initial phase.
PERSECUTION.ORG 9

Peril in Pakistan
A CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY’S STRUGGLE TO SURVIVE
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Persecution | OCTOBER 2023

Much of the world was shocked by the nightmare
that descended on a Christian community in
Pakistan this August. The dust has long settled,
and the world has all but moved on. Yet hundreds of
Christian families and pastors are still picking up the
pieces, trying to regain a foothold in the world that
they lost. And we are there to help them.
The tranquility of the quiet, Christian suburb of
Faisalabad, Pakistan was shattered when 5,000 radical
Muslims descended upon Jaranwala in a rampage.
They set 26 churches ablaze, along with 196 homes,
and many businesses. The scale of destruction is
difficult to fathom, and it was a stark reminder of the
precarious situation faced by Christians and other
religious minorities in Pakistan.
The uproar began when a Muslim man, driven by
malice, made a false blasphemy charge against
a Christian teen. It was a petty dispute over a
business transaction that spiraled into a nightmare.
The allegation was the spark, but the dry tinder of
communal tension had been growing far too long.
Word of the blasphemy charge quickly spread beyond
the boundaries of Jaranwala.
Angry mobs from afar descended upon the community
with a fervor that defied reason. Witnesses recounted
the chilling sight of men on motorcycles, laden with
flammable materials, setting homes, churches, and
businesses ablaze. The streets that once echoed with
hymns and prayers now bore witness to an inferno
fueled by intolerance.
The attackers’ rage went beyond the false blasphemy
charge; it was a collective belief by some that Christians
were undermining Pakistan’s identity as a Muslim
nation. Many among the mob were not even familiar
with Jaranwala, but they came to destroy it. Others
believed that Christians were undermining Pakistan’s
identity as a Muslim nation.
The government has promised relief and began to
distribute checks to Christians to offset their losses.
It certainly won’t be enough to rebuild their homes.
More than 100 attackers were arrested in a nod to
justice.
We asked two members of our team to give their
assessment of the destruction. Here were their
responses:
PERSECUTION.ORG 11

“What I encountered was a scene of profound devastation. Every
item within the homes had been reduced to ashes or torn into
unrecognizable pieces. From ceiling fans to toilet seats, no object
had been spared from the relentless flames”
- GINGER, ICC STAFF MEMBER
WHAT WAS IT LIKE WHEN YOU FIRST ARRIVED ON THE SCENE?
Ginger: I arrived at the scene 22 hours after the unjust vandalism had taken place. My first stop was at Essa Nagri. What I encountered
was a scene of profound devastation. Every item within the homes had been reduced to ashes or torn into unrecognizable pieces. From
ceiling fans to toilet seats, no object had been spared from the relentless flames. The air still bore the scent of the chemicals that had
been used in the destruction.
As I entered the churches, the extent of the damage became even more heart-wrenching. Bibles, symbols of faith, had been ruthlessly
set ablaze. Carpets, chairs, fans, and even electrical sockets lay shattered and broken, a testament to the senseless destruction that had
unfolded within these sacred places of worship.
In Christian Town, which incidentally is the hometown of the accused, the scene was different. The area was heavily fortified with a
notable presence of police and rangers. Makeshift tents had been erected to block off access to the streets, effectively keeping the media
and outsiders at bay. It was a considerable challenge to gain entry.
Once inside, I found that the houses were vacant. The inhabitants fled, seeking safety from the chaos that had descended on their lives.
Only a handful of male residents remained. Their tears and expressions mirrored the sheer horror of seeing their cherished residences
reduced to smoldering ruins.
Ironically, during my visit to Christian Town, I crossed paths with some Muslim individuals. The expressions on their faces spoke volumes
about their emotions; they seemed unmistakably proud of their actions, wearing their perceived “achievement” as a badge of honor.
Oscar: When we went to the affected area, the place looked like burnt-out ruins. The voices of people screaming and shouting could be
heard, and the view was no less than any hell.
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Persecution | OCTOBER 2023

WE’VE SEEN THE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS, BUT
WHAT WERE YOU HEARING IN THE CROWD?
Ginger: They were simply grieving their profound
losses, while those who had recently returned after
fleeing were utterly stunned to see their once-familiar
homes reduced to ashes.
Oscar: They were saying that no one comes for our
help, they attack us, and we lose everything: our
belongings, homes, and businesses. We have given our
lives to build these houses and to build these things
we live by doing small jobs and small businesses. We
are poor, and they burnt everything in minutes.
A disabled man who was missing an arm and legs was
telling us loudly, “They took away our water pumps
we don’t have water for drinking and consumption
anymore, they burnt our Bibles and churches, but they
cannot remove the love of God from our hearts which
will remain in our hearts until we die!”
WHAT DID THE SURVIVING FAMILIES AND
PASTORS SAY TO YOU?
Ginger: Pastor Shahzaib recounted the events, saying,
“It was like any other ordinary day. It was approximately
7 a.m. when I received a call from Christian Town,
urgently advising us to evacuate our homes if we
wished to stay alive. I was taken aback, bewildered by
the lack of information. Without wasting a moment, I
hurried to my church, gathered the youth, and rallied
other pastors. Together, we began spreading the word,
urging people to secure their houses and evacuate the
town for the sake of their lives.”
Ayesha said, “As soon as I heard the news of the
approaching mob, I grabbed my children. We were
in such a frantic rush that we didn’t even have the
presence of mind to put on shoes or grab a scarf. All
that mattered to us was ensuring the safety of our
kids, so we fled the town without looking back.”
Sana expressed his anguish, saying, “My son worked
for his entire life, 18-hour shifts to build this home.
In seconds, this house was reduced to ashes by these
individuals’ hands. What was our fault in all of this?
How can we possibly rebuild our homes from scratch?
They left nothing behind, not a single possession in
our houses.”
Farhan expressed, “We’ve called this area home for
Photos: Images in the aftermath of the mob attack.
PERSECUTION.ORG 13

three long decades, painstakingly building our houses brick by
brick. Even if the government assists in rebuilding our houses,
how can we ever erase the memory of our beloved homes
reduced to ashes? Our lives in this area will never be the same
again; the scars from this ordeal will remain with us forever.”
Mahnoor recounted, “Among the individuals in the mob, a few
were riding motorcycles with drums of chemicals strapped to
the front. These chemicals were of such potent nature that
they could be easily tossed, igniting fires almost instantly.”
Amina said the mob was armed with a variety of weapons,
including rods, batons, pistols, axes, and hammers.
Oscar: One pastor said, “They disrespected us, the Bible, and
churches which is not a good thing at all. If there was such a
thing or accusation of blasphemy, that could have been solved
legally. The government has to control that type of fake things;
people use it against Christian like a weapon.”
Families were crying, and they said that when they burnt our
houses and churches no one came for our help. “We must flee
for our lives when we leave our homes, our girls didn’t even
have proper clothes. The government gives us relief checks,
but we didn’t cash.”
WHERE DID YOU SEE THE LORD WORKING; WHAT GAVE
YOU HOPE?
Ginger: I saw the resilience of faith when I visited the site on
Sunday, the very first Sunday following the tragic incident.
Despite the churches being vandalized and houses reduced to
ashes, the enduring love of God remained firmly rooted in the
hearts of the Christians in Jaranwala. In a remarkable display
of unwavering faith, they organized a large church gathering
right amidst those charred streets. There, they worshipped,
prayed, and conducted their Sunday service, undeterred by
fear or adversity.
Oscar: When God helps you, he makes your enemy your friends.
We saw there that some people from other communities were
helping our Christian community, and it gave us hope that God
never abandons his believer if we step forward to help them.
God is with us.
WHAT IS SOMETHING FROM THIS INCIDENT THAT WILL
STICK WITH YOU FOR A LONG TIME?
Ginger: Their resilience and unwavering faith. Despite the
persecution and the fact that they continue to live amidst
the very community that targeted them for their beliefs, they
stand firm in their faith. Instead of succumbing to adversity,
they praise their God with even greater enthusiasm.
Oscar: The burning of the Churches and holy Bibles, the
helpless faces of the survivors whose eyes were looking for
help; and they were unable to do anything even if they wanted
to. Their cries that they were crying and say no one came to
help us.
BRIEFLY DESCRIBE ICC’S ROLE IN THE RECOVERY; WHAT
DO YOU WANT OUR SUPPORTERS TO KNOW?
Ginger: We met people on a personal level and gave them
words of encouragement. We also listened to the stories of
how they survived, and this helps us better understand their
needs. By building relationships with survivors, we effectively
distributed resources where they were needed most.
By connecting directly with those affected by the violent act,
ICC gains deeper understanding about their individual contexts
which helps inform how best to meet their needs.
ICC improved and strengthened relationships with the
survivors through words of encouragement and our staff
together with the pastors and Catholic fathers sang psalms
and prayed in front of the burnt church. Meeting as a person
was also beneficial for us. We could visit those areas which
were burnt, but no one had access there and this gave us the
advantage that we could know all their needs in a better way,
and we could channel all our resources to them.
We took visited and distributed food aid to 75 families—that
was what they needed at that time.
IN WHAT WAYS ARE CHRISTIANS IN JARANWALA STILL
UNDERGOING PERSECUTION AND HARDSHIPS?
Ginger: Our supporters should know about the current
situation as blasphemy is a very complicated matter in Pakistan.
Following the incident of Jaranwala, there have been many
occurrences of blasphemy against minorities. The Christian
community is still under pressure from the majority as the
Muslims have started to hold a grudge against minorities and
accuse them of being involved with humiliating the Islamic
religion. Our supporters should condemn the incident and
request the state to take serious action.
Oscar: In Jaranwala, some pastors and many people are still
receiving threats. The two brothers who were accused are in
police custody and their family are still facing threats from the
Majority.
To spread fear, some people are picked up for investigation
and allegedly connected with this family without evidence. No
one knows where they are kept. Some people are suffering
from various diseases, diabetes, heart disease, and asthma.
Recently some unknown persons shot and injured a pastor.
Photos: Rubble and carnage in the aftermath of the mob
attack in Jaranwala.
14
Persecution | OCTOBER 2023

“In a remarkable display of
unwavering faith, they organized a
large church gathering right amidst
those charred streets. There, they
worshipped, prayed, and conducted
their Sunday service, undeterred by
fear or adversity.”
- GINGER, ICC STAFF MEMBER
PERSECUTION.ORG 15

A Community Crushed
In the aftermath of the horrific incident, relief efforts have been in full swing.
ICC’s dedicated staff swiftly arrived on the scene to assess the damage. So
many families, many with young kids, were left homeless. We continue to
distribute essential supplies like food, cooking utensils, soap, tents, beds,
and blankets.
This is just the first phase of an extensive undertaking. The long-term plans to
rebuild homes, churches, and small businesses are staggering. ICC is seeking
to raise $500,000 in this effort.
If you’d like to join our efforts, please visit: www.persecution.org/peril-inpakistan
or scan the QR code with your mobile device.
“As soon as I heard the news of the approaching mob, I
grabbed my children. We were in such a frantic rush that
we didn’t even have the presence of mind to put on shoes or
grab a scarf. All that mattered to us was ensuring the safety
of our kids, so we fled the town without looking back.”
OUR REBUILDING PLAN
- JARANWALA RESIDENT
.
16
Persecution | OCTOBER 2023

Your gift of any amount will help hand out emergency supplies
such as food, provide shelter for 200 displaced families, and
rebuild the community.
• $200 provides food for an entire family.
• $350 sets up temporary housing for a displaced families.
• $1,000 contributes to repairing damaged churches.
• $2,500 helps start a small business for a family.
PERSECUTION.ORG 17

The Unseen
Struggle
&
Injustice
THAT HAUNTS A GENERATION
THE UNTOLD STORIES OF PAKISTAN’S BRICK KILN WORKERS
In the heart of Pakistan, where diversity is celebrated and
cultural richness flows through the veins of its people, a
sinister reality lies hidden, a reality that strikes at the core
of humanity. Hundreds of thousands of families have endured
generations of servitude within the unforgiving bounds of the
brick kilns. Let us journey into the shadows of their existence,
where despair and exploitation intertwine, leaving behind
scars that time cannot heal.
Amid the breathtaking tapestry of Pakistan’s cultural diversity
and linguistic richness lies a heart-wrenching tale of suffering
and struggle that often goes unnoticed. In the shadows of
urban areas, where the roar of progress deafens the cries of
the marginalized, the brick kiln workers of Pakistan toil in a
relentless cycle of despair.
Pakistan boasts a mix of of 512 ethnic groups and 74 language
groups, a reflection of its vibrant soul. Amid this diversity,
however, lies a dark tale of around 20,000 brick kilns that
dot the landscape, predominantly congregating near urban
areas. Within the blazing heart of these kilns, 4.5 million
souls toil, producing a staggering 1,000 bricks each day for a
mere pittance of 960 rupees. The kilns blaze at temperatures
reaching a scorching 1100 degrees Celsius (2012 degrees
Fahrenheit).
These brick kiln laborers, often unseen and unheard, are
among the most marginalized and vulnerable in Pakistan.
Lacking skills and resources, they labor under dire conditions,
deprived of necessities such as healthcare, education, and
sanitation. Their grueling workdays, which can stretch up to
12 agonizing hours, yield meager wages, sometimes as low as
Rs. 700 per day. Temporary shelters, their only refuge, offer
scant ventilation and expose them to the threat of fires and
accidents.
A CYCLE OF DEBT AND DESPAIR
A seemingly innocuous loan sets in motion a cycle of bondage
that clenches generations in its cruel grip. The workers,
ensnared in this web of exploitation, are kept in shadows,
their accounts hidden from their eyes. For these millions who
suffer, hopelessness stretches before them, an unending abyss
of misery.
Debt spirals like a storm gathering momentum, swallowing
families whole. Illnesses, inclement weather, deaths, marriages,
and births—the very fabric of life—force these workers into
the jaws of this insidious trap. Falling sick or bearing a child
becomes an iron chain, tethering them to the kilns until debts
are repaid. The borrowed sum of 500 rupees inflates to 1,000
rupees on paper, guaranteeing the perpetuation of poverty.
High interest loans, corrupt officials, surreptitious deductions,
and doctored accounts cripple these laborers further, while
their already desperate living conditions degrade even further.
An agonizing helplessness blankets them as debts escalate
year after year. Families torn apart, lives shattered—some
surrender, paying the ultimate price of despair through suicide.
18
Persecution | OCTOBER 2023

A GENERATION HELD CAPTIVE
The Global Slavery Index bears witness to an alarming
truth—nearly 90% of these workers are ensnared in forced
labor. Even though it’s illegal to employ those under 16,
almost 70% of bonded laborers in Pakistan are children,
robbed of their innocence and potential. These young souls
trade classrooms for kilns, their education sacrificed on the
altar of servitude.
Remote brick kilns, hidden away in Pakistan’s rural heart,
elude scrutiny and regulation, festering in obscurity. Workers
live in squalor, the very soil they manipulate to mold bricks
giving rise to skin diseases. Billowing black smoke releases
toxic fumes, triggering asthma, tuberculosis, and a grim
array of afflictions. Kiln owners, joined by corrupt officials,
keep these workers shackled, wielding the law as a weapon
against those they oppress.
THE CHILDREN OF KILNS: A STOLEN FUTURE
Innocence shattered, childhoods stolen, the children of
these kilns live lives robbed of the most basic rights. No
church, no Sunday school, no formal education—instead,
they inherit the skill of brickmaking. They lack toys, their
laughter silenced as they endure a life denied its natural
course. Opportunities for growth are luxuries, capacitybuilding
training a distant dream.
Child labor thrives in this unforgiving environment, with
the International Labour Organization estimating a grim
reality—4.2 million children in Pakistan, hands that should
hold pencils, instead wield tools of toil. A relentless cycle of
labor, lasting up to 16 hours a day, steals their youth, leaving
them with paltry earnings, sometimes as little as Rs. 300.
A GLIMMER OF HOPE AMIDST THE ASHES
The Supreme Court’s voice has echoed but change is still
elusive. Only a handful of kilns have embraced environmentfriendly
technology, while the majority cling to outdated
practices, driven by fear of financial upheaval. The zigzag
technology’s promise of efficiency and eco-friendliness,
like an oasis in the desert, holds potential, yet much work
remains to be done.
Brick kiln workers continue to suffer, hidden beneath layers
of injustice, their stories eclipsed by the enormity of their
struggle. Their tears mingle with the sweat that molds the
bricks that build cities. It’s a call to action, a plea to shatter
these chains of bondage, to let their stories kindle a fire that
ignites change, so that generations no longer bear the yoke
of cruelty.
International Christian Concern (ICC) staff recently toured the
kilns and met with families. We are exploring ways to better
connect our education programs to the these children, and
launch new initiatives in 2024 to serve this community.
PERSECUTION.ORG 19

A Brick Kiln
Worker’s Tale
of Survival
The agonizing days for
an endless pit of debt
20
Persecution | OCTOBER 2023

The sun blazes mercilessly and the air is heavy with
dust in rural Pakistan, where a man named Rahim
toils his days away. He was a brick kiln worker, a man
who had known the taste of labor from the moment he
could remember. For generations, his family had toiled
under the scorching sun, their lives intertwined with the
clay that would become the building blocks of the world.
Rahim was a Christian, a devoted husband, and a father to
two young children, Maria and Ali. Every morning, before
the sun had even begun its ascent, Rahim would rise from
his makeshift bed, a thin mat laid on the hard ground.
His hands, calloused from years of molding and shaping
bricks, would shake off the numbness of sleep. He would
glance at Maria and Ali, their innocent faces peaceful in
slumber, and his heart would swell with a mixture of love
and determination.
The brick kiln was a
place of torment, an
inferno where hopes
and dreams evaporated
like water on heated
clay. As the morning sun
cast its fiery glow, Rahim
and his fellow workers
would gather around the
massive pits, shoveling
clay into molds, pressing
it with all their might,
forming the bricks that
would become the
backbone of cities. The
heat was unbearable,
like standing before
the gates of hell itself.
Sweat poured from their
brows, mingling with the
clay, their bodies caked
in a mixture of dirt and
sweat.
Amid the ceaseless toil,
Rahim found solace in
his faith. Whenever he could steal a moment, he would
close his eyes and pray, seeking strength from the Lord
to endure the hardships that life had thrust upon him.
His worn Bible, its pages tattered and stained, held the
promise of a better life, a life free from the chains that
bound him to the kiln.
Rahim’s heart ached for Maria and Ali. They were too
young to understand the gravity of their situation, too
innocent to comprehend the cruel world they were born
into. He yearned to see them laugh freely, to witness the
sparkle in their eyes as they learned and played. But the
kiln’s grip was unyielding, its demands relentless.
One fateful day, tragedy struck. Ali fell ill, his small
body wracked with fever. Rahim’s heart clenched as he
watched his son suffer, his frail body burning with heat
“The Lord is close to
the brokenhearted
and saves those
who are crushed in
spirit.”
Psalm 34:18
that mirrored the kiln itself. Desperation gnawed at
Rahim’s soul as he held Ali, his hands trembling, his eyes
welling up with tears. He had no money for medicine, no
means to alleviate his son’s agony.
As Ali’s condition worsened, Rahim made a heartwrenching
decision. He approached the kiln owner,
his voice a whisper, and pleaded for an advance on his
meager wages. The kiln owner’s eyes gleamed with a
predatory glint as he agreed, knowing full well the cycle
he was perpetuating. The debt mounted, like shackles on
Rahim’s shoulders, and with every brick he molded, his
heart grew heavier.
Weeks turned into months, and Ali’s condition
remained dire. Rahim’s shoulders sagged under the
weight of his burden;
his eyes dimmed with
exhaustion. He could
feel himself becoming
a ghost, a hollow shell
of the man he once
was. His faith wavered,
and he found himself
questioning the fairness
of a world that could
inflict such suffering on
the innocent.
As the days turned into
weeks, the kiln’s brutality
began to recede, like the
embers of a dying fire.
Rahim’s hands, once
resigned to molding
bricks, began to mold a
different kind of future
for his family. With the
support of the activists,
he started sending Maria
to a makeshift school,
where she clung to the
promise of knowledge
like a lifeline.
And amid this awakening, Ali’s fever broke. His small body,
fragile yet resilient, fought back against the darkness that
had threatened to consume him.
The journey was long and arduous, but Rahim’s
unwavering spirit and the help of those who believed
in his family’s worth brought change to their lives. With
every brick he shaped, he chiseled away at the chains
that had bound them for generations.
And as the sun set over the brick kilns, casting a golden
hue over the horizon, Rahim looked at Maria and Ali,
their faces illuminated by the soft glow. The kiln might
have been their past, but it would not define their future.
They were survivors, warriors who had emerged from the
crucible of suffering, ready to rebuild their lives, brick by
brick, with love and resilience as their foundation.
PERSECUTION.ORG 21

The
Afghan
Exodus
AFGHAN REFUGEES FLED THE TALIBAN FOR A BETTER LIFE.
UNCERTAINTY MET THEM AT THE BORDER.
The story of Afghan refugees in
Pakistan stands as a testament
to the resilience of the human
spirit, the boundless capacity for
hope, and the courage to face the
unknown. Afghanistan, once a land
of vibrant cultures and ancient
histories, has become synonymous
with displacement, uncertainty,
and suffering. Among the countries
bearing the weight of this tragedy,
Pakistan has appeared as a haven for
millions seeking solace and a chance
at survival.
The numbers alone are staggering—
Millions of Afghanistan refugees are
fleeing to neighboring Pakistan. The
Panian refugee camp, nestled in the
northwestern region of Pakistan,
stands as a poignant symbol of this
exodus. The camp, both a refuge and a
reminder of the cost of conflict, is now
home to thousands upon thousands
of displaced souls. It’s a stark reminder
of how conflict can rend the fabric
of society, tearing apart homes and
families.
Yet, beyond the numbers, lies a
narrative that speaks to the heartache
and the unyielding determination
of these refugees. Their stories are
etched in the lines on their faces and
the longing in their eyes. They have
fled not only the physical turmoil, but
the shadows of terrorism, inflation,
child labor, drugs, and disease that
have cast a pall over their lives.
The migration history of these refugees
mirrors the tumultuous history of
their homeland. The echoes of the
Saur Revolution in 1978 and the later
Soviet-Afghan War still reverberate,
leaving a trail of displaced lives in their
wake. Amid this turmoil, the refugees
sought temporary refuge in Pakistan
and Iran, hoping that their departure
would be brief. But the cyclical nature
of conflict and instability meant that
they could not find lasting solace.
The rise and fall of governments and
factions led to repeated waves of
migration, their hopes of returning
home dashed repeatedly.
The year 2021 brought with it a new
wave of displacement as the Taliban
regained control. Afghans once again
found themselves at a crossroads,
faced with the daunting prospect
of uncertainty. The push factors,
whether they be political unrest or the
imposition of harsh interpretations of
religion, left them with little choice
but to seek refuge in neighboring
countries.
During these challenges, the solidarity
of nations came to the fore. The United
States, in recognition of the resilience
of both Afghan refugees and the host
communities in Pakistan, extended a
helping hand. Since 2002, more than
22
Persecution | OCTOBER 2023

$273 million has been
provided in humanitarian
aids.
These refugees’ journey
is marked by loss and
the courage to rebuild.
The borders they cross,
sometimes without
passports or visas, speak
to their determination to
forge ahead against all
odds. Despite crackdowns
and detentions, their
spirit stays unbroken.
As they navigate the
labyrinth of asylum
systems, they hold onto
the belief that somewhere, there’s a place where they can find
safety, dignity, and the chance to praise the Lord openly.
Within the ranks of these refugees, there exists a band of diverse
cultures, beliefs, and aspirations. The underground Christians,
Sunni Muslims, Hazara Shia Muslims, Tajiks, Uzbeiks, and Arabs, all
woven together by shared experiences of adversity. Their stories,
though varied, are bound by a common thread of hope for a better
life. And while most of them adhere steadfastly to their religious
convictions, their hearts are open to change.
True conversions among these refugees reveal a hunger for
spirituality, a thirst for meaning, and a genuine connection to faith.
The New Testament verses that echo in their conversations are not
just words but a lifeline to something greater. In their pursuit of
solace and stability, they’ve found solace in the pages of a book that
transcends their circumstances.
The story of Afghan refugees in Pakistan is one that unfolds on the
backdrop of adversity, but it is also a story of courage, resilience,
and the human spirit’s unyielding capacity to hope. As they navigate
the challenges of life in a foreign land, they teach us that within the
darkest moments, the light of hope still shines. The refugee camps
may stand as a stark reminder of conflict’s aftermath, but within
their confines, stories of strength and survival are etched—stories
that deserve to be heard, cherished, and remembered.
Top: A group of Afghans receiving humanitarian aid in
Kundiz, Afghanistan in November 2021.
Bottom: Women with their children in Kabul.
Unsplash/Wanman Uthmaniyyah
PERSECUTION.ORG 23

TRANSFORMING THE
TOMORROWS OF INDIA’S
YOUNGEST GENERATION
In a quiet village nestled in the rolling hills of India, the sun would rise each day casting a
hopeful light on the aspirations of its people. Yet, for the Dalit Christian families of this
village, the sun often seemed to rise on another day of struggle, of discrimination, of
generations ensnared in the clutches of poverty and inequality.
For more than half a century, the presence of Christianity had remained steadfast in this
village. But while their faith had remained unshaken, their access to education and economic
opportunity had languished in the shadows.
In this backdrop of struggle, Hope House emerged as a new alternative to the futures in
which they were trapped. ICC’s proposal ignited the spark of change, aiming to break the
chains of generational poverty and discrimination that had held these families captive for
far too long.
Hope House’s dream was a humble one at the outset. A single primary school, but with a
resounding purpose—to offer quality primary education and Bible teaching in the Middle
East. This educational center would be the catalyst for transformation, offering not just
knowledge, but also the key to self-confidence and dignity. It was envisioned as a sanctuary
where the laughter of children echoed through the corridors, where dreams soared beyond
the limitations of their circumstances, and where the knowledge of God and love for the
Lord could be learned about at a young age. That dream will now cross continents.
ICC’ first Hope House in India will welcome 50 to 75 young minds. Our vision is that every
classroom can become a sanctuary of empowerment, every teacher a guiding light, and
every child a testament to the potential that has been unlocked. We pray the legacy of Hope
House in India and around the world is etched into the very fabric of the community and
stands as a testament to the power of education and the unwavering belief that every child
deserves a chance. Please join us in praying for these incoming students.
24
Persecution | OCTOBER 2023

PERSECUTION.ORG 25

Crowns of Courage
HIGHLIGHTING THOSE WHO HAVE SACRIFICED EVERYTHING FOR CHRIST
Faith Under Fire
THE LIFE AND MARTYRDOM OF SAINT LAWRENCE
Saint Lawrence was a Christian martyr whose unwavering faith and incredible courage left
an indelible mark on Christian history.
Saint Lawrence was born in Huesca, Spain, in the third century AD, when the Roman
Empire was vehemently persecuting Christians. He grew up in a devout Christian family and felt
a strong calling to serve the Church. Lawrence eventually journeyed to Rome and became one
of the seven deacons of the city’s Christian community.
In 258 AD, the Roman Emperor Valerian issued a decree ordering the persecution of Christians,
and the Church faced increased scrutiny and danger. The Roman authorities targeted Christian
leaders, and Lawrence, one of the deacons, was among those they sought to apprehend.
One day, the Roman Prefect demanded that Lawrence hand over the Church’s treasures,
believing that the Christians had accumulated great wealth. Lawrence asked for a few days to
gather these treasures. Instead of collecting riches, Lawrence worked diligently to distribute
the Church’s resources to the poor, widows, and orphans of Rome.
When the appointed day arrived, Lawrence and a group of impoverished Christians presented
themselves before the Prefect. He boldly declared that these were the treasures of the Church.
Enraged by this act of defiance, the Prefect ordered Lawrence to be tortured mercilessly.
Lawrence endured unimaginable pain with incredible fortitude while refusing to renounce his
faith. Legend says that during his torment, he cheerfully exclaimed, “Turn me over; I am well
done on this side!” This display of unwavering faith and his willingness to endure suffering for
the sake of Christ moved those who witnessed it.
Ultimately, Lawrence was sentenced to a gruesome death by roasting on a gridiron. As he
lay dying over the hot coals, he is said to have prayed for the conversion of Rome, sealing his
martyrdom with a profound act of love for both God and his fellow believers.
Saint Lawrence’s martyrdom inspired many during his time and continues to inspire Christians
today. He is venerated as the patron saint of cooks and comedians, but his legacy lies in his
unwavering faith, remarkable courage, and selfless devotion to Christ and the Church. His story
is a timeless reminder that faith can give individuals the strength to endure and persevere even
in the face of extreme adversity.
26
Persecution | OCTOBER 2023

The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence, c. 1660
Jean Baptiste de Champaigne (painter) French, 1631 - 1681
PERSECUTION.ORG 27

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