Broken Records

Think about a broken record. The same sound plays over and over when a damaged record prevents the player’s needle from moving forward. This irritant has become a metaphor for repeating patterns.

A Pattern of Christian Persecution in South Asia

We are mindful of a broken record in South Asia where a pattern of persecution is emerging. In Christian minority communities, a desecrated artifact of the majority religion is found. A local Christian is accused. People assert scant or nonexistent evidence against the Christian. An outraged community or government agency commits acts of aggression seeking to punish the Christian, largely without due process. The Christian suffers mental and often physical abuse. The record plays the same sound over and over: desecrated artifact, accusation, aggression, and abuse.

Accusation Without Evidence in Pakistan

To illustrate, a near-riot broke out in Pakistan after a Muslim shopkeeper received a mailed envelope containing a desecrated page from a Quran, along with a photograph and ID card of a local Christian. Only swift action by local authorities kept the situation from turning violent. No evidence connected the Christian believer to the act, and yet his name and face were enough to put him and his community at risk. Mob violence broke out, and the family had to evacuate the area. The broken record plays: desecrated artifact, accusation, aggression, and abuse.

The Broken Record Continues

This incident is not unique. We recently wrote about the mistreatment of two pastors who fell victim to anti-Christian sentiment. You can read about it here. In their case, the broken record continues: desecrated artifact, accusation, aggression, and abuse.

We recently learned of another incident. The situation is so volatile that we can share no details other than to say the broken record continues: desecrated artifact, accusation, aggression, and abuse.

Broken for Everyone

The Tide will continue to remain steadfast in our commitment to spreading the Good News. For as long as God allows, we will continue proclaiming the life-transforming message of the Gospel. Because Jesus was broken for everyone and His brokenness brings healing and hope instead of aggression and abuse.

Courageous Gospel Engagement in Pakistan

In Pakistan, your support has enabled The Tide to continue reaching people through radio broadcasts and social media. The numbers coming back from the region are notable given the context: one area reported 1,500 engagements with its program in the most recent quarter, while another reported 2,700. In a place where admitting that someone follows Jesus brings immediate and serious consequences, those numbers reflect the heroic courage of real people.

A Message Worth Repeating

We may sound like our own broken record. But it is one of truth, urgency, and appreciation. The truth is that the Gospel must be proclaimed to everyone as a matter of obedience and a matter of compassion. The Bible tells us that it is appointed for each person to die, and then comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27). We want everyone to stand before the Judge, not as a condemned person but as one with Christ’s imputed righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). So we urgently request your prayers, financial support, and involvement in the ministry. Please take a moment to pray, donate, and find ways to get involved. These things are what enable us to carry out the ministry we do. And finally, know that you are appreciated. We know God works through your generosity to reach millions around the world.

One way you can give is by supporting our upcoming Leader To Leader trip to equip and encourage pastors and seminary students in Lahore, Pakistan.

Another way is by contacting Ryan Murray (ryan@thetide.org), Director of Development, about contributing to our Tide Forward Campaign through endowment gifts or non-cash contributions.