Anika Shehzad, an 18-year old Christian teen, worked as a domestic servant in Ferozwala, Pakistan, to help support her family. At work, Anika was continuously pressured to renounce her Christian faith and convert to another faith. The more she resisted, the more her employers pressured her, until she could no longer work for them.
When Anika informed the family that she would be leaving, they were infuriated. They beat her and accused her of stealing money from them. When Anika’s concerned parents approached her former employers in an attempt to resolve the situation, her father was also accused of stealing money and gold from them.
Christians in Pakistan are frequently illiterate and poor. They are often forced to take risks such as sending their young daughters to work for wealthy families that are opposed to Christianity. In such situations, sexual harassment, torture and other forms of abuse are not uncommon.
Pray that the Lord will watch over Anika and her family during this time of persecution. Pray that they will experience God’s blessings and provisions as they continue to stand firm in their Christian faith.
Pray also for many other young Christian women who, like Anika, are vulnerable to assaults on their well-being. Pray that they Lord will minister to them in a special way, so that they can be testimonies through their endurance and their steadfast faith in the Lord.
Pray that true justice will be upheld in all similar situations and protection will be granted for all those who are vulnerable and victimized.
(Source & Photo Credit : VOMC)
#persecuted Church
