What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
Irfan Masih (2009)
Just a Boy
When Taliban militants launched an offensive against a Christian community in Taiser Town, near Karachi, Pakistan, in April 2009, an 11-year-old boy called Irfan Masih was shot in the head. He died five days later, leaving his family devastated.
The violence started after the Taliban defaced the Christians’ homes and churches with graffiti slogans such as “Long Live Taliban” and “Be prepared to pay jizya (Islamic tax on non-Muslims) or embrace Islam”. The residents cleaned off the graffiti and staged a peaceful demonstration in the hope of attracting local government attention to their need for protection. During the demonstration, the Taliban attacked. Homes, shops and Bibles were set on fire, several women were sexually assaulted, and dozens of people were beaten with clubs, whips and iron rods. Three people were seriously injured.
The attack happened at a time of intense violence between the Pakistani military and the Taliban, who were fighting to establish a form of sharia across the country.
There let the way appear, steps unto Heav’n;
All that Thou sendest me, in mercy giv’n;
Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee.
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest,
There in my Saviour’s love, perfectly blest;
Age after age to be nearer, my God, to Thee.
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
Sarah F Adams (1805-1848)