An Islamic cleric in Pakistan has just put a contract out on Asia Bibi, a Christian woman accused of blasphemy, reportsMNN. Todd Nettleton with Voice of the Martyrs says, "Earlier this month, a mullah in Pakistan offered a 500,000 rupee bonus for anyone who kills Asia Bibi. So, literally, he has put a price on her head." Following the mullah's statement, Muslims--including representatives from extremist groups--protested against Asia and a proposed amendment of the blasphemy law. Protests were held in many major cities in Pakistan. On November 8, 2010, a judge sentenced Bibi to death. "That sentence is being appealed right now. While the appeal is going forward though, she is being held in prison. She continues to be in jail. She has been in jail now almost 18 months, fighting these charges." The case has brought international outcry over the injustice on her behalf. "It's another example of how blasphemy laws are used against Christians in Pakistan. Any time there is a dispute of any kind, instantly, blasphemy charges are filed." Bibi's case stems from her arrest in June 2009 after a heated religious discussion with some of her co-workers. Asia told the Muslim women about her faith in Christ, explaining that He died on the cross for our sins. Then, according to VOM sources, she asked them what Mohammed had done for them. She told them Jesus is alive but Mohammed is dead. "Our Christ is the true prophet of God," she reportedly told them, "and yours is not true." Christians in Pakistan are watching the case coverage; they know the risk they take identifying themselves with Christ. Nettleton says, "They know that at any time, someone can point the finger at them and say ‘I heard you say something about Mohamed that was negative. I'm going to call the police.' Even if they're found innocent, it can take years for that to happen, and meanwhile they're in jail." But the Gospel will not be stopped. In areas where proselytizing or evangelizing can earn you a stint behind bars or worse, believers focus on the positive message of the hope of Christ. "Instead of talking negatively about Islam, or the Koran, or Mohamed, they simply talk about the Bible and they talk about Jesus, and the fact that He loves us and died for our sins." VOM contacts are concerned for Asia's safety. In the past, Christians have been killed in jail, on their way to court, and even after being released from jail. "Literally, she's not safe anywhere she is right now. Pray for God's protection over her as this case is going forward."
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