Christian chapel assaulted by armed group in Pakistan

Spero News ^ | 4/3/2010 | Martin Barillas

[markomalley]

On the evening of April 2, following Good Friday services, a group of armed men and women assaulted the Gordon College Chapel in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. According to sources, the group was armed with automatic weapons and broke into the church compound, entering the chapel and adjoining residence. Having broken the locks at the main entrance, they installed new locks, while also destroying the sign advertising the chapel.

The group of assailants threw bibles to the ground and terrorized the women and children present, robbing them at gunpoint and then taking cash and jewellery. One of the captives managed to make a telephone call and informed a family member, Shaban Gill. Gill and Imran Nasir, whose 4 year-old and 18-month old daughters were captives at the chapel, informed the police and then themselves confronted the assailants.

Both Gill and Nasir were met with a hail of gunfire from within the compound but were unhurt. Police arrived on the scene and, after storming the gates, were able to arrest 5 men and 4 women inside. The police seized automatic weapons and ammunition. A large number of Christians rushed to the scene to show support for the police action.

The nine assailants are currently in jail and faces charges of hostage-taking, looting, harassment, discharging firearms, and disrespect for the sanctity of a place of worship. A First Information Report (FIR) registered against those arrested. The copies of the FIR were given to community leaders. At around 3:30am it was noticed that the armed policemen who had been ordered to guard the Chapel, were not present on duty.

In recent weeks, there have been a spate of deadly attacks on Christians in Pakistan. Arshid Masih, who had been employed by a prominent Muslim sheikh, was burned to death when he and his wife refused to convert to Islam. He died shortly thereafter while his wife was hospitalized following a gang rape by police officers while in custody. Christians live in fear in Pakistan and had warned of Islamist assaults in advance of Easter.

[hoosierham]

Where are the Muslim leaders condemning these attacks?

Where is the mullahs call for tolerance?

When will the people of the West and East wake up and realize that Islam is the enemy of peace and brotherhood?

[jagusafr]

We attended this church in 66-67 - beautiful little facility. Glad to see the cops actually responded, coming to the aid of Christians!

Colonel, USAFR

[HighlyOpinionated]

You know how to stop this?

I do.

They’ll toss Bibles, but they won’t toss a Koran, right?

So, right inside the entrance of every Christian Church or Compound, install a Koran, open to one of the “statements” that declares Izlam is peaceful.

UNDER the Koran, open up a Bible to the Gospel of John Chapter 10.

[markomalley]

So, right inside the entrance of every Christian Church or Compound, install a Koran, open to one of the “statements” that declares Izlam is peaceful.

That's actually a brilliant idea.

Of course, some muzzie group will find a reason to burn the Koran used (along with the church that surrounded it), as it was defiled by unbelievers...or some such.

Some people just live to be offended.

[ichabod1]

Arshid Masih, who had been employed by a prominent Muslim sheikh, was burned to death when he and his wife refused to convert to Islam. He died shortly thereafter while his wife was hospitalized following a gang rape by police officers while in custody.

nice. not.

[Lera]

The persecution of Christians is not uncommon in Islamic or communist countries . Spiritual blindness in this country is what is allowing them to get away with saying that it is a peaceful religion.

This is a good place to get a glimpse of what it is like in other places
http://www.persecution.com/public/homepage.aspx?clickfrom=bWFpbl9tZW51