It does not matter to me whether I am sentenced or whether the judge will set me free. I know that I am innocent and most of all I know that the Lord is with me. They persecuted Jesus also and the Bible says that they will persecute us as well.
Asia Bibi is in a Pakistani prison sentenced to death for blasphemy.
Asia is a 45-year-old Christian woman in Pakistan who was sentenced to death for blasphemy against Islam’s prophet Mohammed. She is the first woman ever to receive the death sentence for blasphemy in Pakistan.
Asia Bibi is still behind bars waiting for her appeal to be heard. Her health is deteriorating after months in isolation in prison and her life is in constant danger as Muslims across Pakistan call for her execution.
Asia was arrested in June 2009 after an incident involving Muslim women who refused to drink from the same water bowl as Asia Bibi, a Christian. When Asia challenged them about this, the women accused her of making derogatory comments against Mohammed and she was arrested. Her trial lasted 16 months and in November 2010 the judge handed down to Asia the maximum sentence of death for the crime of blasphemy against Islam.
Asia’s husband and two daughters are desperate for the appeal to be heard. They visit her every week.
My mother is innocent. She is weak and can barely speak. I can’t control my tears when I see her. We have faced hardships because my mother stood firm for her faith. Asia's youngest daughter
Asia’s eldest daughter said:
We spend every single day in fear. Although the delay is making me lose hope, I pray every time and feel that God will bring her back one day.
Learn more about Asia Bibi's story here.
How You Can Help
1. PRAY for Asia Bibi and other Christians who are imprisoned for their faith.
That Asia will forgive those who have persecuted her and will boldly share
God’s love with her enemies.
For Asia’s appeal to be heard and that she will be released.
That God will comfort, protect and encourage Asia and her family.
Use this PowerPoint to share Asia Bibi's story and pray for her at your church, youth group or school.
2. WRITE a special note of encouragement to your persecuted sister.
Your prayers are vital and your letters of encouragement speak loudly to the authorities in Pakistan that Asia Bibi is not alone and will not be forgotten!
Print this advocacy profile and get your youth group to write to encourage Asia Bibi.
3. HELP FREE ASIA BIBI
Please sign this online petition, A Call for Mercy, demanding justice for our persecuted sister.
It will only take a few minutes, but it could help to release Asia from prison! Voice of the Martyrs is hoping for 1 million signatures from around the world demanding justice for our persecuted sister. Every signature is a Call for Mercy.
Share this with your friends. Print out the petition and get people from your church, youth group and school to sign it. Then mail it back into Voice of the Martyrs PO Box 250 Lawson NSW 2783.
Youth Group Resources
Thirteen Three is a Youth Initiative of Voice of the Martyrs Australia.