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Looking out to our world (3) – joining with Pakistan’s people

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God…. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. Isaiah 40: 1, 28-29

Pastor Andrew (not his real name) in Pakistan, father of two young children, asks us to pray for the church there. Christians make up only 2% of the population. People regard them as only worthy to do menial and dirty jobs. They face daily injustice. Christian women and girls are abducted each year and forced to marry Moslem men. Churches are vulnerable to bomb attacks. Believers are imprisoned under harsh blasphemy laws.

Pastor Andrew’s church has been praying for a sanctuary. Last year the authorities banned them from meeting in their rented building. They then used a hall in a hotel. Now, like all of us, they are in their homes, connecting by Zoom and phone as much as they can. But many of the congregation do not have access to smart phones or to internet. Many depend on cash they earn daily. We don’t know how they are managing at the moment. Government and others who are providing basic relief are leaving out Christians because of their faith.

The prayer responds directly to Pastor Andrew’s request to us to stand with them at this time as the family of God. He thanks All Saints so much for our love and care.

Father of love, we pray that you will comfort your people in Pakistan; that you will give them strength and increase their power as they put their hope in you. We pray for:

  • all those who live off daily wages and whose families depend on them for food – provide for them today
  • unity among Pakistan’s political parties and leaders so that they will work together for the good of the people
  • safety for the doctors, nurses and paramedics who have no equipment
  • Pastor Andrew’s church as they meet remotely – connect them and touch them by your Holy Spirit
  • provision for Pastor Andrew’s family and other leaders as giving has gone down and they struggle for daily needs

Listen to the Father now and ask him to bring to mind a verse, picture or phrase to pray over Pakistan now and over Pastor Andrew and his church. If you think God may have given you an insight or encouragement for them, please email it to rickandcathyjames@gmail.com and we can send them to Pastor Andrew to support them at this time.