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- The above clip is from a Christian media station in Pakistan and unfortunately is not in English.  However; the images of the injustice and loss are something to pray into for the families and churches of these murdered Christians.

Christians accused of 'Blasphemy' slain in Pakistan

-via Compass Direct News

AISALABAD, Pakistan, July 19 (CDN) — Today suspected Islamic extremists outside a courthouse here shot dead two Christians accused of “blaspheming” Muhammad, the prophet of Islam.

The gunmen shot the Rev. Rashid Emmanuel, 32, and his 30-year-old brother Sajid Emmanuel, days after handwriting experts on Wednesday (July 14) notified police that signatures on papers denigrating Muhammad did not match those of the accused. Expected to be exonerated soon, the two leaders of United Ministries Pakistan were being led in handcuffs back to jail under police custody when they were shot at 2:17 p.m., Christians present said.

Rizwan Paul, president of advocacy group Life for All, said five armed, masked men opened fire on the two Christians amid crowds outside Faisalabad District and Sessions Court. 

“Five armed, masked men attacked and opened fire on the two accused,” Paul said. “Sajid died on the spot,” while Rashid Emmanuel died later. 

Rai Naveed Zafar Bhatti of the Christian Lawyers’ Foundation (CLF) and Atif Jamil Pagaan, coordinator of Harmony Foundation, said an unknown assailant shot Sajid Emmanuel in the heart, killing him instantly, and also shot Rashid Emmanuel in the chest. Pagaan said Sub-Inspector Zafar Hussein was also shot trying to protect the suspects and was in critical condition at Allied Hospital in Faisalabad.

The infamous 1968 Tet Offensive during the Vietnam War took the lives of six American missionaries in the town of Banmethuot. Other courageous missionaries stayed until Vietnam fell to communism on April 30, 1975 when they were forced to leave.

Christians in Vietnam’s Central Highlands were forced at the communist takeover to endure a dark decade. All their pastors were imprisoned; But God’s work in Vietnam Christians was not stopped either by the absence of missionaries or the jailing of pastors.

Back during an awful night of the 1968 battle in Banmethout, a young mother lay fearfully on her bed with her newborn son at her side in dormitory of the Bible School where her husband was studying to become a minister. Gunfire exploded all around and war planes circled ominously above.

During the rising din, the frightened mother turned and lifted her infant son up onto her breast. Just then a bullet tore through the roof and punctured the wooden bed were the baby had lain. The mother was convinced in her heart that her son must have been spared for special purpose.

Her son was called to be minister.  Years later she shared this touching story with him.

Today, in his early 40’s, leads the ethnic church in Vietnam’s Central Highlands which has grown to nearly 100,000 strong in spite of years if persecution and pressure.  Gifted, courageous but vulnerable, this Pastor regularly struggles with Vietnam’s communist authorities to secure the modest religious freedoms their laws supposedly allow. 

Indeed, he was spared for special purpose.