For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18
Ishtiaq Masih (2009)
Hostile Discrimination
On 9 May 2009, Pakistani Christian Ishtiaq Masih was stoned to death for innocently ordering tea from a “Muslim-only” stall.
Ishtiaq had disembarked from a bus that had stopped in Machharkay village, Punjab province, to give the passengers an opportunity for rest and refreshment. A sign hung on the roadside tea stall, which read, “All non-Muslims should introduce their faith prior to ordering tea. This stall serves Muslims only.” Ishtiaq failed to see this sign and paid for the mistake with his life. When he went to pay for his tea, the owner noticed his necklace with a cross on it and called on his employees to punish the Christian for not abiding by the sign. A group of men then beat Ishtiaq severely with whatever they could lay their hands on, including stones from the ground on which he lay.
Villagers and bus passengers managed to intervene to break up the beating, but Ishtiaq died from his extensive injuries at a rural health centre. Police said that they were treating the crime as a faith-based murder.
Fence me about, O Lord, with the power of thine honourable and life-giving cross, and preserve me from every evil.
Eastern Orthodox Prayer