A Church Burning in the name of Blasphemy Laws
Blasphemy cases

Churches in Flames: Stand with Us to Save Christian Lives in Jaranwala

The Crisis Unfolds

[This is an ongoing story and will be updated regularly.]

On a day that will be etched in the memories of the Christian community in Jaranwala, Pakistan, a horrifying wave of violence was unleashed. Here’s a summary of the tragic events so far:

– Incident 1 (August 16): Churches were vandalized and set on fire after a Christian man was accused of blasphemy. Islamists ransacked and vandalized churches, leading to the destruction of 4 churches and dozens of Christian homes. The police were unable to restore peace.

– Incident 2 (August 16): At least five churches were vandalized, and Christian homes were ransacked. The police remained silent spectators as the violence unfolded. This incident is part of a pattern of attacks on Christian colonies in Pakistan, reflecting an all-time high in enmity and hatred against Christians.

– Incident 3 (August 16): 17 churches and around 100 Christian houses were vandalized and set on fire. An angry mob ransacked the office of a Christian Assistant Commissioner, who was later transferred from his post. The situation remains critical, and Christians in Jaranwala are in fear and danger.

-Overnight Update (August 17): “The Christian families of Jaranwala spent the night in fields and threshing floors to save their lives in their own country.” Images below capture the desperate measures taken by families to find safety.  Our ground teams were dispatched to respond immediately.

– Update (August 18-19): Over 150 arrests include 148+ violent protestors/looters and two individuals accused of Blasphemy.  More than 19 churches and 87 homes destroyed.  Most Christians homes in the area were completely looted.  

The situation on the ground is dire, and the need for immediate action is passionately urgent.

Our Response

Redeem the Oppressed is already mobilizing ground teams to provide critical support to the victims of this tragedy. Our response includes:

– Needs Assessment: Our teams are conducting assessments to understand the scale and scope of the damage, identify urgent needs, and determine where relief should be targeted.

– Distribution of Supplies: We are distributing essential supplies like food, water, medicine, and shelter materials directly to impacted communities.

– Providing Medical Care: Our trained medics are on the ground, offering first aid, disease management, mental health support, and more.

– Helping Rebuild: From debris clearance to home repairs and temporary shelters, our teams are on the ground helping rebuild lives.

– Emotional and Spiritual Support: Our compassionate teams are providing emotional and spiritual aid, comforting grieving families, assisting with locating missing loved ones, and offering a human touch to relief efforts.

– Volunteer Coordination: We’re mobilizing and managing volunteers who want to help, ensuring that their efforts are effectively utilized.

– Raising Awareness: A camera crew will be on-site to interview victims and share their stories, further raising awareness of the situation.

How You Can Help

The situation is critical, and we need your support now more than ever. Your donation can save lives, provide comfort, and help rebuild a community torn apart by violence and fear.

– Donate Now Below: Every dollar counts, and your contribution will make a real difference.
– Special Recognition for Donors: For donors who give at least $500, we will have the family you supported write you a short personalized thank you note or video. You will also be eternally and prominently recognized for this mission on our website.
– Share the Story: Help us raise awareness by sharing this post and the upcoming interviews with the victims.
– Send Support Letters: Write a letter of support and encouragement. We will translate and distribute these heartfelt messages to the affected families. Use our contact form to submit the letter by clicking here.
– Volunteer: If you’re able to volunteer, contact us to find out how you can join our efforts on the ground.

Conclusion

The tragedy in Jaranwala is a stark reminder of the persecution faced by minority communities. We cannot stand idly by. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can save lives.

Join us in this urgent mission. Donate now, send a support letter, and be a part of the solution.

The police report filed against the accused individual, sparking the violent response.
The police report filed against the accused individual, sparking the violent response.
Official document showing the transfer of the local Christian Assistant Commissioner in Jaranwala, a response to the mob's ransacking of his office following the blasphemy accusations.
Official document showing the transfer of the local Christian Assistant Commissioner in Jaranwala, a response to the mob's ransacking of his office following the blasphemy accusations.
The harsh reality of displacement: Families forced to spend the night in open fields, fearing for their lives.
The harsh reality of displacement: Families forced to spend the night in open fields, fearing for their lives.
Children and adults huddled together on a threshing floor, a temporary sanctuary from the violence.
Children and adults huddled together on a threshing floor, a temporary sanctuary from the violence.
Christian families seeking refuge in a field overnight in Jaranwala.
Christian families seeking refuge in a field overnight in Jaranwala.

By Max Gibson

Max Gibson, also known as Mosheh, holds a bachelor's degree in computer science and has competed on his college's crew, cross country and track and field teams. Max co-founded the College Republicans and has run successful businesses, including Apex Web Services, which serves as CTO for non-profits Farrukh Saif Foundation and 'Emergency Committee to Save the Persecuted and Enslaved.' He has been in a leadership position in the non-profit sector since 2011. In addition to his business pursuits, Max is a combat veteran of three major wars and is known for his generosity and strong belief in God.
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[…] If you would to support our ground team that is providing much relief to these families, please visit this page: Churches in Flames: Stand with Us to Save Christian Lives in Jaranwala – Redeem the Oppressed […]

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