After the lynching and destruction of Nazir’s prosperous shoe factory on May 25, 2024, believers in the area have been unable to return to normalcy.
A troubling update
More than fifty of the vandals accused in Nazir Masih’s murder have been released on bail. As a result, the radicalized Islamists are warning local Muslim employers not to hire any Christians—citing the false blasphemy allegations against the now-deceased Nazir Masih.
Nearly two months after Nazir’s funeral, approximately 17 persecuted Christian workers remain unemployed. Additionally, they face social boycotts from Muslim business owners, who are branding them as “blasphemers” at the prompting of the radicals.
Rashid, one of Nazir’s former employees, recounts the harrowing incident. “We live on the same plot as the factory, with our home adjacent to its wall. During the attack, our home became a direct target of the violence; they looted my home [and] set fire to many belongings,” he shares. “We’ve sought work at over 12 places since the factory’s closing, and every employer has turned us away, citing [that] support of blasphemers is a sin and goes against their beliefs.”
Another factory worker details his struggles. “After losing my job, I looked diligently for other work, to no avail. Eventually, I had no choice but to send my family to another city with relatives … they can’t stay there permanently. They are my responsibility, and I need work to provide. Finding income is so difficult in these current circumstances.”
A third persecuted Christian worker echoes these lamentations. “I have two children living in a home without electricity; my meter was cut off as I didn’t have enough to pay the bills. Survival is increasingly difficult and employers willing to hire us are nonexistent.”
In light of the increasingly dire situation, a local pastor expresses concern. “Most of these workers are sinking deeper into debt due to prolonged unemployment and poverty,” he says. “What these families truly need are … entrepreneurial initiatives to provide lasting financial support.”
These persecuted Christian workers have requested 5 specific prayers through our local reporters on the ground:Â
-For sustainable sources of income.
-That God would meet basic needs, including funds for food, rent and utilities.
-For protection from Muslim extremists.
-To have economic independence from prejudiced Muslim employers.
-For a decrease in radicalized thinking among local Muslims.
Heavenly Father, You saw the injustice of Nazir Masih’s death, and You see the struggles of his former employees today. Lord, we ask You to bring justice to Nazir’s family—and to these hardworking believers who simply want to provide for themselves and their Christian family members. Grant their prayer requests and allow them to reach their Muslim neighbors with the gospel, that they might enjoy peace, safety and prosperity. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.
About the author
Josh Depenbrok serves as a Public Relations Manager at Global Christian Relief. He is passionate about supporting persecuted Christians who endure threats and violence because of their faith in some of the most difficult countries in the world. Read the latest Christian persecution stories on our website and learn more at GlobalChristianRelief.org.
