ICC Note:

Despite facing discrimination and outright persecution for their faith, two Pakistani Christian children have exemplified what it means to persevere through hardship for one’s faith. Pakistan is one of the toughest places in the world to be a Christian. Although Christianity is not illegal, Christians are widely discriminated against and, at times, face outright hostility because of their faith. If these two children are able to show a fearless faith in Pakistan, what lessons can be learned for other Christians living in freer societies? 

05/24/2017 Pakistan (Christian Post) – In Pakistan where Christians face extreme and violent persecution, two young siblings are showing that despite the constant dangers they face, minority Christians in the Muslim-majority nation remain steadfast in their faith.

In a recent report, Open Doors USA put the spotlight on Meeral, a “vivacious” six-year-old girl, and Shazi, her protective eight-year-old brother.

Their unnamed father is involved in Christian pastoral care whose faith has been toughened by years of threats and danger, according to the Christian persecution watchdog.

Meeral has shown extraordinary courage. Last year, she was quoted as saying that she would give her life for Jesus if she had to. “After all, He did the same for me!” she exclaimed.

One time, Meeral came home from school limping. When asked what happened to her, she quickly answered, “It’s okay—a boy hit me because I am a Christian. He does not like Christians, but…papa reminded me Jesus was also hit and wounded, and even killed—so it’s okay.”

Shazi, on the other hand, looks mature for his young age. He said he has already decided to become a “soldier for Jesus” when he grows up.

“I wanted to be a soldier in the Pakistani army, but I do not want to pray to the Muslim Allah,” Shazi said. “I do not want to agree that Mohammad is the last prophet. But then I could be arrested for blasphemy!”

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