Growing up a Christian girl in Pakistan - by Ribqa Nevash

Good morning, everyone. I am Ribqa Nevash from Faisalabad, Pakistan. Now I am living in the UK. 

I thank God for the opportunity to share with you my experiences as a Christian girl in Pakistan. 

When I went to university, I was the only Christian girl out of 75 students. No one wanted to talk with me except those who tried to get me to convert. I was offered cars and other bribes, but my faith in Our Lord is strong and I said no.

My family and I have suffered threats for speaking up. I was in Pakistan when a mob of thousands attacked Jaranwala district. In just one day 25 churches were desecrated and burned. Up to 2,000 people fled their burning houses. When I visited the next day. I started to cry. Everyone is still looking for justice.

There are many cases of persecution. Last month, Pastor zafar masih bhatti died in prison, 13 years after he was jailed for alleged blasphemy. So many people are innocent of such crimes. Earlier this year, Christian labourer Kashif Masih was abducted, severely beaten and left for dead. He was tortured using nails.

As a Christian girl, I advocated for girls as young as 12 who are abducted, kidnapped and forced to marry and convert. Many suffer sexual violence. Others are trapped in bonded labour, including working in brick kilns.

I am thankful for Aid to the Church in Need who do important work for suffering Christians.

This Christmas we need to pray for persecuted Christians and other minorities around the world.

Before I came to this country, we were never able to celebrate Christmas openly with lights and decorations. I love to celebrate Christmas here. When I see Christmas tree decorations everywhere I get so happy.

Image credit: Credit: Dean & Chapter of Westminster