Pakistan August 2009

BBC REPORT - August 2009:

Christians have been killed in religious unrest in Pakistan's central Punjab, after days of tension sparked by the rumoured desecration of a Koran. The four women, a man and a child died as Muslim militants set fire to Christian houses in the town of Gojra. Two men died later of gunshot wounds. TV footage showed burning houses and streets strewn with debris as people fired at each other from rooftops.

Officials said the rumours which led to the unrest were false.

Minorities minister Shahbaz Bhatti was quoted by Reuters news agency as saying that a Christian neighbourhood had been attacked by a mob "misled by Muslim extremists".

Mr Bhatti accused police of negligence, saying he had himself visited Gojra on Friday and asked for protection for the Christians.

Pakistan's small Christian minority has periodically been targeted since Pakistan became a US ally in the so-called War on Terror.

AMEN UPDATE REPORT - October 2009:

Friends were finally able to go to village Korian, a place where the whole Gojra tragedy began before it arrived and ended there.

In August it looked as though the victims would never regain courage to stand up on their feet again. We were told that it was horrific to see about 65 burnt down houses with all the belongings inside. Livestock had been taken as loot and people had needed to run for their lives in the dark of the night.

We are told that the situation is now very different. The rebuilding efforts are in advanced stage. Some of the houses have even got roofs on them and work is continuing on almost every single house. Many people will be able to celebrate Christmas in their new homes. It reminds us of the story of Job. His faith was tested to ultimate limits. He lost everything but then the bible states that he was rewarded by getting the double of every single loss. It again seemed to be true for these poor Christians. Instead of houses built out of mud bricks now they have solid houses made bricks and concrete. All praise be to God for all that He has done for His people.

People in the region are grateful to Christians all over the world for all the prayer and physical support they have received.

The AMEN Trustees

AMEN REPORT - August 2009:

In response to this situation AMEN Trustees agreed to make a donation to the relief efforts to help our Christian brothers and sisters. The following is an "on the spot" report of the situation:

We finally went to visit the area which had been hit by violence on 14th August – Pakistan Independence day. There are actually 2 different places that suffered the wrath of the Muslim community. The first one is a small village known as KORIAN. It is a village right on the main road and it is about 3 km before you get to Gojra if you are coming from Lahore side. Gojra became the centre of attention because it got coverage in the media. But KORIAN was the place that got hit 2 days before the violence in Gojra erupted.

It was amazing to see the level of destruction in both places. About 60 homes got burnt in Korian and about 130 homes in Gojra. Our relief effort concentrated on Korian. It was a joy to be able to help in the situation but it was very sad to see and hear the horror stories that people told us. Their homes and livestock were looted at will and later set on fire. It was encouraging that, after all that these folks went through, their spirits were still high and they are looking forward to get on with their lives. We heard many say that they were willing to lay down their lives for their faith.


Destruction in the village of Korian

Pictures of the seven Christians burnt alive for their faith	Relief efforts

We were able to take 140 brand new clothes for them (men’s & women’s) and we were also able to collect some clothes from other Christian communities for their use.

Several other people and organizations are helping them, and the government has begun reconstruction activity in both the areas. People in that area are very appreciative of the help that has been given to them and they find comfort in the knowledge that Christians in Pakistan and across the world are sharing their sorrow in their hour of distress and need.

The government of Pakistan has set up a camp to feed these people. What these people really now need is clothes for women, men and children. Things like crockery and winter bedding is also needed.

We very much appreciate your prayers and help for all that we have been able to do and for all that we plan to do for them.