On August 16th, Muslims in Jaranwala, Punjab, Pakistan, burnt thousands of Bibles, causing deep hurt to the sentiments and feelings of Christians around the world. Every Christian in Pakistan felt pain, fear, and anger upon witnessing the Bible reduced to ashes.
This isn’t the first time someone set the Bible ablaze; sadly, it might not be the last. This incident reminds us of past hurts caused by the same flames of intolerance, making us question whether such a painful story will continue. It will persist until the Second coming of Jesus Christ.
In the wake of the Jaranwala incident on August 16th, I, Farrukh H. Saif, took swift action. I reached out immediately to the ECSPE Board of Directors. Our treasurer, Mr. Davies, was away visiting his parents in Ireland at the time. However, I engaged in a comprehensive conversation with our Board President, Mr. Andrew.
Together, we arrived at a resolute decision. In response to any instance of Bible burning, we vowed to distribute even more Bibles. Furthermore, starting from this point forward, our organization will also extend its efforts into Evangelism.
ECSPE’s Swift Response:
Uniting for a Cause, today, our team distributed Bibles among the victims in Jaranwala. In the first phase, along with essential items, we provide Bibles to them. In the second phase, we plan to supply Bibles to the churches as well.
While each Bible costs a few dollars, it symbolizes a powerful message to those who have burned our Bibles.
Despite efforts to destroy our Bibles, we remain committed to printing and distributing more. No one can prevent us from sharing the Word of God with those who believe.
The Significance of the Bible:
The Bible is not just a book; it holds immense significance for every Christian. It stands as an integral cornerstone of every Christian’s faith and identity. Its profound teachings, historical narratives, and spiritual guidance weave a tapestry that resonates through generations. The Bible encapsulates the essence of belief, offering solace, wisdom, and a moral compass.
It serves as a source of inspiration during times of tribulation and celebration. The Bible offers insights that shape individual lives and collective communities. The Bible carries messages of love, hope, and redemption. It’s an indispensable companion on the spiritual journey of every Christian. As long as we have the strength, determination, and capability to carry out this mission, we will persistently provide Bibles to places where their presence is vital.
The silence of the world:
Upon further consideration, it’s clear that burning the Quran in a Western country would make worldwide headlines. When thousands of Bibles are set ablaze, only a few media houses cover such news.
In August alone, attackers targeted numerous churches in various parts of the world, resulting in the burning of thousands of Bibles. Unfortunately, primarily Christian organizations and para-church movements shed light on the plight faced by these Christian communities.
Christian Persecution in Pakistan:
Pakistan has been a challenging place for religious minorities, including Christians, who often face discrimination and persecution. Incidents like the one in Jaranwala are not isolated but part of a broader pattern of religious intolerance. Discriminatory laws and societal prejudices make it difficult for Christians to freely practice their faith. Despite these challenges, the resilient Christian community in Pakistan continues to uphold their beliefs and seeks support from organizations like ECSPE to provide both material assistance and spiritual solace in the face of adversity. The need to address and combat religious persecution remains a critical issue in Pakistan and other regions where minority faiths face challenges in expressing their devotion.
