Lent Appeal for the Persecuted Church
March 31, 2023
Lent calls every Christian to contemplate the passion story, to know God, pray, and give alms for those in need. In this way we build bridges of love, of brother/sisterhood in faith, and restore hope for the marginalized, disadvantaged and suffering. It calls us to remember God’s compassion and grace which made you and me his very own children. Contemplate the cost His only begotten Son, Jesus, paid to bring us God’s grace and ability to practice that compassion, easing the suffering of the vulnerable.
Reports have indicated that over 360 million Christians around the world suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination. Persecution of Christians has increased dramatically in recent years. Pakistan is known to be one of the most dangerous countries in which to follow Christ. Our brothers and sisters in Christ there suffer high to severe levels of persecution—from intersectional discrimination, to biased laws, forced conversions and marriages of minor girls, and constant threats from blasphemy laws. Every year, around 1,000 minority girls are kidnapped, raped, forcefully converted, and married to Muslim men. Anyone accused of blasphemy (mostly falsely), loses the right to life and is either killed/lynched by mobs or stays behind bars for life. In the wake of fear, insecurity and uncertainty, such victims escape to the nearest possible interim haven.
Canadian Aid to Persecuted Christians is a registered charity in Canada, supporting such persecuted Christians and providing legal aid, survival support and assistance to escape to the freedom we enjoy as Christians in Canada. CAPC believes that we need to take seriously the responsibility to ensure that our brothers and sisters in Christ do not face their trials alone. The CAPC ground team courageously works in dangerous situations to serve such Christians suffering extreme persecution and discrimination.
Currently, CAPC is mobilizing fellow Christians to pray and donate financially to support:
1. Imran Ghafoor, who served 12 years in jail under blasphemy charges, was miraculously acquitted by the court, but had to flee for his life. Imran sought refuge through UNHCR to come to Canada, to live peacefully and freely. Please follow the link for details https://capc.life/longest–serving– prisoner–of–blasphemy–case/
2. Azeem Masih (Masih means Christian), to start a small business to provide for his family. Azeem was a professional tailor, but was shot in the head in an attempted targeted killing by his Muslim neighbor. He was seriously wounded in his effort to build a small church on his own piece of land in 2021. Azeem was paralyzed, and was supported by CAPC for physiotherapy and his family’s survival for 16 months. God restored his health, and he is finally able to talk, walk and do his personal chores.
Read more https://capc.life/man–gunned–down–in–church–construction–riot– in–pakistan/
3. Anwar Kenneth was arrested in September 2001. He was charged with blasphemy and sentenced to death in 2004 by a session court and again sentenced to death in 2014 by the upper high court. His case is now on trial in the highest court, the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Kenneth remained in prison for 22 years. The Kenneth family is seeking legal counsel and CACP is working with the local lawyer for his release. Read the complete story https://capc.life/blasphemy–death–row–victim–awaits–trial–
march–3–2023/
4. Refugee Sponsorship: the Dilshad & Ruby family have been waiting for the last eight years in a third country as asylum seekers through UNHCR, to move to a safe country. CAPC has formed a volunteer refugee committee to sponsor the family to Canada.
If you are able and are wondering “How does God want to use me to work out His purpose?” or “How should I serve my Lord and others more generously?” you are encouraged to consider donating to support this important work of CAPC.
We assure you that every dollar raised this Lent will support the above mentioned three persecuted Christian families. Your donation either big or small is much appreciated. It means a lot to us and the families we serve.
CAPC thanks you in advance; God bless your heart. Wishing you true transformation and continued abundant blessings!!
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