Request for prayer for Asia Bibi and the church

Our contacts in Pakistan are asking for continuing prayers for the church in Pakistan and for Asia Bibi.

Asia Bibi is the Christian mother of five who has been sentenced to death for blasphemy, and his been in prison since the summer of 2009 - she is currently in the process of appealing her sentence.

Tensions have been high following the execution of Mumtaz Qadri, the bodyguard who killed Salman Taseer. Salman Taseer was the governor of Punjab who spoke out against Pakistan's blasphemy laws, calling them 'the black law', and called for the pardon of Asia Bibi. Taseer's outspoken views on the blasphemy laws angered parts of the Islamic community, so when he was shot by Qadri, his bodyguard, many celebrated Qadri as a hero who fought for the honour of Islam. The execution of Qadri has angered some Muslims.

Our contact says: "Although last Friday and Sunday were without major incident... there has been much going on. The situation is tensing up increasingly for Asia Bibi as the campaign to demand her execution gets under way.

"A recent internet audio program defined Asia as a 'wicked, satanic and filthy woman' and justified the assassination of the Governor Taseer."

After Salman Taseer was assassinated, his son Shahbaz Taseer was kidnapped by gunmen in Lahore. After five years in captivity, he has been freed and reunited with his family this week.

Our contact says: "This has made extremist elements furious and their focus is on Asia. 'Only if she is killed our thirst for revenge will be satisfied,' said a Mullah last Friday.

"There have been threats against churches as part of the growing pressure on minorities.

"Please keep the situation in your prayers and raise up prayer for Asia and Christians across the country."

Please pray:

• For protection for Asia Bibi, and for her swift and safe release
• For protection and strength for Christians in Pakistan
• For God to change the hearts of those who are seeking Asia Bibi's execution
• For healing for Shahbaz Taseer as he begins to recover from the trauma of the last five years.