Ifran was abandoned by his biological parents early in life and raised by a Christian family. Growing up, he struggled with feelings of worthlessness and not being accepted. In great despair, when he was 14, he put a loaded gun to his head and was ready to pull the trigger. At that very moment, he heard a voice say, “Stop! I have chosen you to save the nations.” That was Ifran’s first encounter with Christ.
When he was older, Ifran moved to Peshawar, Pakistan, and began studying theology. There he married a God-fearing woman who shared his zeal for the Great Commission. Then he was ordained as a pastor and began his missions work.
While in a tribal region with a local host, Ifran and the host were tricked by a shopkeeper who said they were seeking a priest who could baptize and pray for people in the area. They were beaten by a crowd of radicals that the shopkeeper had brought together. While attacking them, the vicious mob called them infidels and sinners. The radicals also took their pictures, announced their perceived transgressions through loud speakers and posted their pictures on walls in their community. For their safety, Ifran moved his family to a different city.
In the first week after relocating, Pastor Irfan’s wife and children were violently attacked at their home while he was out dropping off choir members following a prayer meeting. The attack was because they were a Christian family.
The family opened the Bible and kept Philippians 1:12 close to their hearts: “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” This verse helped preserve them during difficult times and view their persecution as serving God’s kingdom.
However, later, Ifran was arrested on another missions trip for sharing the gospel and handing out Christian literature. He spent six months in prison. But his time behind bars did not weaken his faith.
To this day, Ifran, a persecuted Christian in Pakistan, continues to share the gospel and baptize others. He says, “God calls every one of us. He reveals His plans at the right time. We must listen and understand our calling. In Christ, we all are born missionaries.”
He adds, “My family and I will continue the mission God has given us. Despite persecution and challenges, we need to spread the message of the cross around the globe to people of all faiths.”
Irfan’s belief brings to mind Colossians 2:6-7: “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”
Let’s lift our brother Ifran and his family up in prayer.
Father God, we ask you give Ifran and his family divine protection. Surround them with Your shield and covering. Bless his ministry—let it expand and everything be done in it that You desire. Bring them resources to reach the lost and spread the gospel. Amen.
About The Author
Amanda is a staff writer for Global Christian Relief, a nonprofit Christian ministry whose mission it is to amplify the voices of Christian persecution and help vulnerable believers so they can spread the gospel and advance the Great Commission. You can learn more by visiting our website at GlobalChristianRelief.org.
