Afghan Christian remains behind bars

Pray for Shoaib Assadullah who
remains imprisoned in Afghanistan.

An Afghan who was arrested for his conversion to Christianity remains behind bars one month after the release of Said Musa, another convert who was quietly granted asylum in Europe after an abusive nine-month imprisonment.

Shoaib Assadullah, 23, was arrested on October 21 in Mazar-e-Sharif for giving a Bible to a friend. While in prison, Shoaib described being physically abused and receiving death threats from fellow prisoners, reported International Christian Concern. He also fears he may face the death sentence for his conversion if he is summoned back to court.

While Afghanistan's constitution upholds freedom of religion, apostasy is tried under Islamic law and is punishable by death.

In a phone conversation with a friend on March 24, Shoaib said that he will not return to Islam in exchange for his freedom, but is willing to die for his Christian faith.

Please pray for the release of Shoaib Assadullah and pray for his protection while he is in prison. Ask the Lord to take away any fear and renew his strength. Pray the Lord will use the testimony of this faithful Christian brother to encourage the faith of secret believers throughout the country.

You can post a prayer for Shoaib or persecuted Christians in general on VOM's Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.