Our brother in Bangladesh, Jashim, turned from Islam and came to know Jesus in 2021. Even as a young believer, he was already making an impact in his city, establishing an adult literacy center for the poor.
But many were not happy about his conversion and the good work he was doing, and on May 14, a mob of 50-60 people attacked Jashim in broad daylight at his home.
The mob demanded that he renounce his faith and return to Islam. But Jashim refused. "I have received Jesus Christ in my life as my personal Saviour and Lord," he shouted. "I have the right to choose and to practice my faith. You cannot force me to do what you do. I will not renounce and will not forsake my faith in Jesus Christ."
Father, what a bold proclamation of faith in the face of imminent danger! Thank you for Jashim's words and his brave heart. Cause these words to ring in the minds of his attackers and so turn their hearts to you.
The denial made the perpetrators angrier. They stabbed him, beat him indiscriminately and pulled him to the ground. Some held his arms, some his legs and some tried to strangle him. No-one dared to approach or try to stop the attack. A crowd formed and watched curiously as the incident took place.
Miraculously, Jashim survived! He went to his church leader's home and in a quivering voice told him what had happened. He was taken to the hospital for treatment. He returned home to a reception by local police. When they heard his attack was the result of his conversion, they ridiculed him and denied his protection.
Unbelievably, the attackers returned with more violence. He returned to the hospital with severe injuries and is currently in bad shape, speaking incoherently. His wife and children have gone into hiding, as they have also been threatened. Let's surround Jashim and his family with love and prayer!
Oh, Lord, be very near Jashim as he heals from his injuries. The repeated terror he endured and the physical violence is frightening, but especially to a relatively new believer. Bring him back to full health and strength and reunite him with his family in safety. Use this to strengthen - not diminish - their faith in You and Your protection and direction for their lives.
Thanks so much for praying for this dear brother of ours. Elohim bless you. Taken from Open Doors USA text alert.
But many were not happy about his conversion and the good work he was doing, and on May 14, a mob of 50-60 people attacked Jashim in broad daylight at his home.
The mob demanded that he renounce his faith and return to Islam. But Jashim refused. "I have received Jesus Christ in my life as my personal Saviour and Lord," he shouted. "I have the right to choose and to practice my faith. You cannot force me to do what you do. I will not renounce and will not forsake my faith in Jesus Christ."
Father, what a bold proclamation of faith in the face of imminent danger! Thank you for Jashim's words and his brave heart. Cause these words to ring in the minds of his attackers and so turn their hearts to you.
The denial made the perpetrators angrier. They stabbed him, beat him indiscriminately and pulled him to the ground. Some held his arms, some his legs and some tried to strangle him. No-one dared to approach or try to stop the attack. A crowd formed and watched curiously as the incident took place.
Miraculously, Jashim survived! He went to his church leader's home and in a quivering voice told him what had happened. He was taken to the hospital for treatment. He returned home to a reception by local police. When they heard his attack was the result of his conversion, they ridiculed him and denied his protection.
Unbelievably, the attackers returned with more violence. He returned to the hospital with severe injuries and is currently in bad shape, speaking incoherently. His wife and children have gone into hiding, as they have also been threatened. Let's surround Jashim and his family with love and prayer!
Oh, Lord, be very near Jashim as he heals from his injuries. The repeated terror he endured and the physical violence is frightening, but especially to a relatively new believer. Bring him back to full health and strength and reunite him with his family in safety. Use this to strengthen - not diminish - their faith in You and Your protection and direction for their lives.
Thanks so much for praying for this dear brother of ours. Elohim bless you. Taken from Open Doors USA text alert.