Pakistan Christians pray for Asia Bibi

(December 19, 2011) More than 1,000 people gathered in Lahore, Pakistan, on Friday to pray for the release of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death in Nov. 2010 for alleged blasphemy. “Many organizations still want to see her dead; our staff also needs your prayers as even we are facing threats,” said Sohail Johnson, chief coordinator of Sharing Life Ministry Pakistan (SLMP) at St John’s Catholic Church. The SLMP provides financial and legal aid to Christian prisoners. It is currently funding 25 families, including Bibi’s, and supporting the education of 97 children. Asia Bibi sparked an international outcry last year after being found guilty of blasphemy. In March Federal Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti was assassinated after he criticized the blasphemy laws. Pope Benedict XVI has also pleaded for Bibi to be released. Last week Bibi’s family visited her in Sheikhupura Jail. “Take care of yourselves and keep praying, she told us,” said Isham Ashiq, the 12-year old daughter of Asia Bibi