We are the same age – only I’m not in jail.
Asia Bibi is a 37-year-old Christian living in Pakistan. Like me, she loves the Lord and can’t help sharing His goodness. At the farm where Asia works, the other local women are Muslim. All of them.
On June 19, 2009 the discussion around the farm became heated. The Muslim women told Asia about Islam and Mohammad. Asia waited for her turn and told them about Christ. She shared how Jesus died on a cross for our sins, then asked what Mohammad had done for them.
“Jesus is alive,” she shared, “and Mohammad is dead.” The women were angered and began to beat Asia, until some men came and locked her in a room. Soon, they announced from the mosque’s loudspeakers that Asia would have her eyes blackened, so they could parade her through town on a donkey.
Before they could do any more harm, other Christians intervened and begged the police to save Asia. They took her into custody, but under the pressure from Muslim leaders, could not release her to her family.
Asia, like Paul and Silas, sits in her jail cell and prays. She hasn’t seen her children since December 2010. I cannot even imagine the heartbreak of being away from my babies so long.
Friends, this isn’t a story from ancient Bible times. This young woman is imprisoned today – in 2011. When we drive to church in air conditioned cars and sit on cushiony seats and spend an hour clapping and singing, it’s hard to imagine others don’t have that privilege. They can’t exclaim, “Praise the Lord,” in Wal-mart when they find the jelly they’ve been hunting.
Please be in prayer for Asia and her family. She is one of many.
Her story and others like it can be found on the website www.prisoneralert.com. Each of the prisoners on this website have been imprisoned for their faith. Sign up for their email to remind you to pray for these prisoners. You can also send encouraging letters to Asia and other prisoners. The site helps translate the letter in the native tongue of the incarcerated.
Want to be a sheep?
When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:39-40 NIV
Such a sad story – and challenging too. I have to ask myself would I be as brave as Asia?
Blessings!
Powerful post, Carol! Thanks for sharing Asia's story and for providing the link so we can pray for other imprisoned believers! We take so many things for granted – this post encourages me to boldly share Christ, since I've been entrusted with the gospel. Have a blessed week!
wow–sad, humbling, inspiring…really makes me think…thank you for posting this.