A Promise Shattered: The Faisalabad Beauty Parlor Kidnapping

In the sprawling city of Faisalabad, a family of humble brick kiln workers harbored a simple dream: a better future for their daughter. They saw a path to that future in the bustling world of beauty and cosmetics, a skill that could lift their family from the grips of poverty. But that dream has since twisted into a waking nightmare of betrayal, abduction, and a justice system that seems to have failed them at every turn.

This is the story of a young Christian girl whose hope for empowerment was cruelly exploited, leading to her kidnapping at gunpoint in a case that highlights the terrifying vulnerability of minorities in Pakistan. 

The Lure of a Better Life

It all began with a promise. Samira Gojra, the owner of a local beauty parlor and training center, approached the family with an offer. For a fee of 30,000 Pakistani Rupees, she would teach their daughter the skills of the trade. For a family earning a meager living at a brick kiln, this was a monumental sum. Yet, driven by love and hope, the father took a loan, scraped together the money, and entrusted his daughter to Samira's care. He believed this investment would one day allow his daughter to stand on her own feet and improve their family’s circumstances.

A Calculated Betrayal

According to the family's account, the training was a facade for a more sinister plan. The parlor owner, Samira Gojra, allegedly began manipulating the young trainee. She reportedly introduced the girl to a Muslim man, orchestrating a "friendship" in exchange for money.

The manipulation quickly took on a religious dimension. The girl was allegedly pressured to abandon her Christian faith, told that her religion was "not good" and that she should convert to Islam. When the girl resisted, the situation escalated. The parlor owner continued to facilitate meetings, disguising a predatory relationship under the guise of friendship.

The Abduction and the Aftermath

The family's worst fears were realized one fateful day. While the girl was at the parlor, a "carry dabba" van—a vehicle often associated with abductions in Pakistan—pulled up. The same man, along with several accomplices, emerged and kidnapped her at gunpoint.

In the harrowing days that followed, the family’s desperate search for justice began. They filed a First Information Report (FIR), officially naming the alleged perpetrator. He was reportedly brought to the police station but was released after only two hours. The official complaint, the family claims, held no weight.

Countless panchayats (local community council meetings) were held to resolve the issue, but the kidnappers neither appeared nor brought the girl. They remain at large, holding the young woman against her will.

A Desperate Plea for Help

The family now faces an agonizing reality. The kidnappers are allegedly demanding a ransom, a sum this impoverished family could never afford. They have issued a chilling threat: pay the money, or they will kill the girl.

To shield themselves from legal repercussions, the perpetrators have deployed a tactic commonly used in forced conversion cases. They claim that if the family takes any further action, their public response will be that the girl has willingly converted to Islam. This cynical ploy is designed to paralyze the justice system and silence the family’s pleas.

The family is left in an impossible position: grieving, terrified, and fighting a system that appears indifferent to their suffering. Their daughter is not in a police station, not in a courtroom, and not in the safety of her home. She is a captive, and her family’s only weapons are their tears and their story. They are pleading for anyone who will listen to help bring their daughter home and deliver the justice they have so far been denied.

Ordained but Restricted: The Unspoken Challenges for Female Pastors

In churches and Bible colleges around the world, a significant and welcome shift has occurred: women are being called, trained, and officially ordained into pastoral ministry. They receive the same anointing, the same ceremonial gowns, and the same titles as their male counterparts. Yet, a critical question lingers in the pews and corridors of church leadership: Does ordination grant them the same authority?

In a recent, insightful discussion, Pastor Sohail John and Pastor Simon Sohail explored this very paradox. They unpacked the complex reality facing many female pastors who, despite their calling and qualifications, are often restricted by cultural traditions and unwritten rules that limit the scope of their ministry.

The Gap Between the Spiritual Calling and Physical Practice

The conversation highlighted a stark contrast. Spiritually, the New Covenant is a "covenant of the spirit," where distinctions that once mattered are superseded by a new identity in Christ. Women played pivotal roles in the early church—from Mary Magdalene, the first to announce the resurrection, to Phoebe, whom Paul calls a "servant (deaconess) of the church." The foundation for women in active ministry is clearly present.

However, when it comes to the physical, practical duties of a pastor, a "cultural barrier" often emerges. The speakers pointed out that it is exceptionally rare to see a female pastor:

• Officiating a funeral service.

• Leading a wedding ceremony.

• Serving as a pallbearer or giving the final blessing at a burial.

These duties, considered standard for any male pastor, seem to be off-limits for many ordained women. This raises the question: If a woman is appointed by God and affirmed by the church to be a pastor, why is her authority curtailed when it comes to these fundamental community rites?

Is it Biblical Law or Human Tradition?

The discussion delved into the roots of this hesitation. Much of it stems from an adherence to Old Testament models of leadership, which were predominantly male. While the Old Testament contains powerful female leaders like Deborah, Esther, and Ruth, the priestly and ceremonial roles were reserved for men.

However, the speakers compellingly argued that applying these physical and ceremonial laws to the New Testament era is a misunderstanding of Christ's work. The New Covenant is spiritual, not physical. Jesus himself challenged traditions that had become more important than God's law. He taught that what defiles a person comes from the heart, not from external factors like unwashed hands.

Similarly, the argument that physical states (such as those unique to women) could be a barrier to ministry is an echo of old purity laws that were fulfilled in Christ. As one pastor noted, Jesus prayed from the cross in a state of ultimate physical degradation, and Paul and Silas worshipped while beaten and imprisoned. Their spiritual service was not hindered by their physical condition.

A Call for Courage and Consistency from Church Leadership

So, what is the solution? The pastors issued a powerful challenge directly to the Bible colleges, denominations, and bishops who ordain women.

If an institution has the conviction to ordain a woman as a pastor, it must also have the courage to stand by her and grant her full pastoral authority. Leaders must be the "first drop of rain" that starts a change. They should be the ones to invite female pastors to officiate weddings and funerals, actively dismantling the cultural barriers that hold them back.

Without this consistent support, the ordination of women risks becoming a symbolic gesture rather than a full affirmation of their God-given calling.

The conversation leaves us with a profound challenge: Are we, as the body of Christ, truly living in the freedom of the New Covenant, or are we allowing the shadows of past traditions to limit the work of the Holy Spirit in our midst? It's a question every church and every believer must thoughtfully consider.

Urgent Call for Justice: Chairman of Pastor Alliance Attacked in Islamabad

Urgent Call for Justice: Chairman of Pastor Alliance Attacked in Islamabad

A wave of shock and concern has swept through the Christian community in Pakistan following a brazen attack on a prominent leader. Pastor Kamran, the respected Chairman of the Pastor Alliance in Pakistan and a serving pastor of the Presbyterian Church, was shot and wounded in a targeted attack in Islamabad.

This deeply troubling incident occurred at a bus stop in Iqbal Town. Pastor Kamran was returning to Islamabad after leading prayers in Gujranwala when the attack took place. According to eyewitness reports, two assailants on a motorcycle, their identities concealed by helmets, opened fire directly on the pastor, shooting him in the legs before fleeing the scene.

The Aftermath: A Painful Wait for Action

Following the attack, Pastor Kamran was rushed to the Islamabad PIMS Hospital at approximately 7:30 PM. His colleagues and community members who gathered at the hospital have expressed grave concerns not only about his health but also about the initial response from authorities.

While a First Information Report (FIR) has been formally registered with the police, community representatives on site have stated that they have yet to receive a copy of the report. More critically, as of their latest update, a formal doctor's report had not been issued, and they voiced frustration over the delay in comprehensive medical treatment.

This situation has prompted an urgent and direct plea for intervention.

"We have requested the IG Islamabad, the relevant agencies, the Government of Pakistan, and the Federal Minister to take immediate action on this matter," a spokesperson for the group stated. "We request that all of us pastors who serve the word of God be provided with some kind of security so that we can be safe."

A Community United in Prayer and Faith

Amid the anxiety and uncertainty, the Christian community is rallying in support. Assistant Pastor Kashif, speaking from PIMS Hospital, joined the call for solidarity.

"We have come to PIMS Hospital this morning to see the pastor who was shot," he said. "I request you all to pray for him, to pray for Pastor Malik Kamran, and to pray for his family for comfort. Thank God, he is safe and alive."

This attack is not being viewed as an isolated event. It is seen as a painful example of the ongoing threats faced by religious minorities in the country. "The oppression that is happening to minorities day and night in Pakistan is a serious concern, and we feel the government is not doing enough," Pastor Kashif added.

Despite the fear and the challenges, their message remains one of profound faith. "Our trust is in our living God. Our God knows how to take care of us—this is our faith."

A Call to Action

The targeted shooting of Pastor Kamran is an attack on a man of peace and a leader dedicated to his community. It is an attack on the freedom to practice one's faith without fear.

We join our voices with the Pastor Alliance in calling for:

1. Swift Justice: A thorough and transparent investigation to identify and prosecute the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

2. Immediate Medical Care: Ensuring Pastor Kamran receives the best possible medical treatment without any further delay.

3. Enhanced Security: A concrete commitment from the government and law enforcement agencies to provide adequate security for pastors, clergy, and all religious minorities who face increasing threats.

We urge our readers to share this story and to hold Pastor Kamran, his family, and his community in your prayers. May he have a full and speedy recovery, and may justice and peace prevail.

Help Christians in Pakistan – Stand with the Persecuted

 

A Call for Human Dignity: Standing with the Persecuted in Pakistan

In today’s world, where voices can travel across continents in seconds, there are still millions who remain unheard. Help Christians in Pakistan—this plea is not just about charity, but about justice, solidarity, and the defense of fundamental human dignity.

For many families, faith under fire is not just a phrase but a daily reality. From targeted attacks to systemic discrimination, they live with the constant weight of fear. Justice for silenced voices is long overdue, and the global community must take notice. Every cry, every story, every act of resilience deserves to be acknowledged.

When we stand with the persecuted, we stand for more than one faith community—we stand for the universal right to defend religious freedom. Whether it is a family’s cry for justice after losing a loved one, or the tragedy of a faithful father who refused to deny his beliefs, their stories remind us that silence is complicity. To share their story is to be their voice—a voice for the voiceless.

Beyond persecution, Pakistan has also been struck by natural disasters. The floods of recent years displaced millions, leaving entire communities without homes, food, or clean water. To support Pakistani flood victims is not just about aid; it is about helping a nation rise again. Hope in the floodwaters and efforts to heal a nation’s heart are essential steps toward rebuilding lives and restoring dignity.

We cannot ignore that Christian lives matter in Pakistan just as much as anywhere else. Calls for human rights in Pakistan must go beyond rhetoric—they demand concrete action. Global Christian solidarity has the power to uplift the broken, restore hope, and build bridges of compassion across borders.

Together, we can begin building faith in Pakistan, not only within its churches but in the hearts of those who believe in justice and love. Every act of kindness, every campaign, and every prayer matters. To act for justice is to answer the higher calling of humanity itself.

This is more than a cause. It is a call for human dignity. Let us rise together, for their fight is our fight, their tears are our tears, and their hope can be our shared victory.

A Journey of Faith Ends in Tragedy: A Christian Family Cries for Justice

The streets are filled with a sorrow too heavy to bear. The heart-wrenching sounds of mothers, sisters, and daughters crying echo through the crowd, their faces etched with an unbearable grief. These are not just images of a community in mourning; they are a raw and powerful testament to a life cut short and a family shattered by senseless violence. 

A Christian youth from Lahore, a hardworking rickshaw driver and a loving father to four children, has been tragically killed. He was on a journey of faith, traveling to the National Marian Shrine in Mariamabad, a place of peace and prayer, near Farooqabad, Pakistan. This sacred pilgrimage turned into a nightmare when he was brutally shot and killed. In the attack, another young man was also seriously injured, and is now fighting for his life.

The images from the scene tell a story of profound loss. We see men, their faces grim and strained, carefully carrying the body of their fallen brother, wrapped in a simple white shroud. We see a community gathered, not for a celebration, but to surround a grieving family with their presence. The anguish is palpable, especially in the faces of the women, who hold each other up as they weep for a son, a husband, a father, and a friend. Their tears are a desperate plea for a world that has failed them.

While a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered with the police, the family’s pain is compounded by the fact that the accused remain at large. Justice, for now, is a distant hope, and every moment that passes without an arrest deepens the wound.

Kashif Paul, the Founder and Chairman of Thirsty for God Church, has stood in solidarity with the grieving family, stating, “The grief of the grieving family is shared equally by us. May God console this family with His special grace and peace.” His words reflect the sentiments of a wider community that feels this loss personally and profoundly.

But prayers and condolences alone are not enough.

This is a moment that calls for more than just sympathy. The weeping mothers, sisters, and daughters in these photos are crying out for justice. This family, robbed of its provider and protector, needs a voice. This is a call to action for all who believe in human dignity and the rule of law.

We must not let this tragedy become another forgotten headline. We must stand against the injustice that allows perpetrators of such heinous crimes to walk free.

Be their voice. Share their story. Demand that the authorities act swiftly to arrest the culprits and bring them to justice. Stand with this family and show them they are not alone in their fight.

Let us ensure that this father's life, and the devastating grief of his family, leads to meaningful action and a renewed commitment to protecting the vulnerable in our society.

Urgent Appeal: Sialkot Submerged in Catastrophic Floods – Our Brothers and Sisters Need Us Now

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Our hearts are heavy as we bring you urgent and devastating news from Pakistan. The 2025 floods have unleashed a catastrophic deluge upon the nation, and the area of Sialkot and its surroundings is facing immense destruction.

A map from the Flood Forecasting Division shows the widespread impact across Pakistan, with the Sialkot region facing severe devastation.

The reports we are receiving paint a heartbreaking picture. We have heard that entire villages in the Sialkot district have been submerged in water up to eight feet deep. Homes have been destroyed, livelihoods have been washed away, and hope is dwindling for many. The damage is immense and widespread.

In the midst of this chaos, many families have lost everything. The floodwaters have tragically swept away precious livestock—goats, cattle, and chickens that were essential for their survival. Many animals have died, and with the loss of crops and stored goods, a severe shortage of food grains is now a critical emergency.

Our most pressing concern is for our Christian families in the affected regions. At this moment, we still do not have any data on exactly how many of our brothers and sisters have been impacted. We know they are suffering, and we are committed to being a beacon of hope for them. Our team on the ground will be working tirelessly to collect as much data as possible, to find out where the needs are greatest and how we can best direct our support to those who have lost everything.

The Bible teaches us in 1 John 3:17, "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?"

Today, we see our brothers and sisters in desperate need. This is our moment to show the love of God through action. We are calling on you, our faithful community, to stand with the people of Sialkot. We need to provide immediate relief in the form of food, clean water, and emergency supplies.

You can be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who are crying out for help. We are collecting love offerings to send directly to the flood relief efforts. Your gift, no matter the size, will provide life-saving aid and a powerful message that they are not forgotten.

Please join us in fervent prayer for the safety, comfort, and provision for all those affected. And if you are able, please give generously.

You can send your love offerings securely through our Buy Me a Coffee page.

Click Here to Support the Pakistan Flood Relief Effort via Buy Me a Coffee

Thank you for your compassion, your prayers, and your generosity. May God bless you.

In His Service,

Thirsty for God Church

 

Hope Above the Waters: A Testimony from the 2025 Shakargarh Pakistan Flood

 The image before you tells a story of two realities. The first is one of devastation. In the background, you can see the widespread impact of the Flood of 2025 on a small Christian community in Shakargarh, Pakistan. Homes are submerged, fields have turned into vast lakes, and life has been forced onto the rooftops, small islands in a world of water. An overcast sky hangs heavy, mirroring the weight of the situation.

But look closer. This is not a story of despair. It is a powerful testimony of unshakeable hope.

When we visited this community, we saw the material need firsthand. Families were gathered on rooftops, their possessions scattered and their livelihoods washed away. In the distance, a simple red cross stands firm against the gray floodwaters, a quiet but potent symbol of the faith that anchors this community.

We spoke with the people, including the man whose calm and resilient gaze meets you in this photo. We expected to find sorrow and desperation. Instead, we were met with a profound sense of peace. Despite the urgent need for financial assistance, for food, and for shelter, their first words were of their trust in God. They were genuinely hopeful, certain that God would meet their every need.

Their faith was not a passive wish; it was an active, vibrant force that was truly contagious. As they shared their stories, their unwavering spirit began to chip away at our own worries. Their resilience, born from a deep well of faith, was so powerful that, as we stood amidst their loss, we too were forced to smile. They had lost so much, yet they gave us the invaluable gift of perspective and hope.

This is our testimony: God raises His people to meet the needs of the people. The faith we witnessed in Shakargarh is a powerful reminder that we are called to be the hands and feet of that provision.

If God has given you the strength and the means, we ask you to consider sending aid to your brothers and sisters in this difficult time in Pakistan. Let us be the answer to their prayers and a reflection of the hope they so freely shared with us. 

Building Hope in Pakistan: Thirsty For God Church

In the heart of Pakistan, God is doing something new. Through the Thirsty For God Church, we have been blessed to build a new church building where believers can gather to worship, pray, and learn from the Word of God. What began as a small gathering has now grown into a ministry network with 20 dedicated pastors serving faithfully in different regions.

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and bring hope to communities in need. In a place where many Christians face challenges, we stand together in faith, knowing that the light of Christ shines brighter in the darkness.

But this mission is not something we can do alone. We need partners who believe in the Great Commission and the call to support the Body of Christ across the nations.

How You Can Help

Your support makes a real difference. Every contribution goes toward:

• Training and supporting local pastors
• Evangelism and outreach programs
• Assisting families in need
• Strengthening our church building and community center

Even a small gift can help us continue to spread the Good News and build a stronger foundation for believers in Pakistan.

Join Us in This Mission

We invite you to prayerfully consider becoming a partner with Thirsty For God Church. Together, we can bring hope, healing, and the message of salvation to countless lives.

👉 You can support us directly through our Buy Me a Coffee page, making it simple and secure to give.

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” — Romans 10:15