|
Within weeks the terrorists struck again, targeting Murree Christian
School and the Taxila Christian Hospital. The two attacks left
10 locals dead including four nurses and two private security
guards. Senior police officials have been saying that security
has been tightened for most Western interests in the country,
so terrorists have started picking soft targets like churches
and hospitals.
After the recent school and hospital attacks Christians and foreigners
have been asked to limit their movements. In all my years of working
in Pakistan never have I had to see churches surrounded by sandbags
and gunmen till now. Even church services are being kept short
and concise so that minimal risks are taken.
The terrorist movements seem to have labeled all Western interests
as "Christian." Even the school where our kids go to
has taken extreme security precautions. The kids have been taught
"terror drills," and now have staggered dismissal times.
The campus is dotted with sand bunkers and gunmen. Even certain
roads leading to the school have been closed off with barriers.
Of course the current military government of Pakistan has tried
its best to crackdown on local terrorists. But, needless to say,
all these attacks must have been planned out months in advance.
However, most politicians and locals are saying these recent attacks
are in retaliation for the government’s stance on the war
against terror. While the government joined with the West and
permitted operations out of Pakistan, Pakistani civilians were
crossing the border into Afghanistan to fight for their Muslim
brothers. Now, people here are waiting to see what will unfold
during the next few weeks during the run-up to elections in October.
Who knows how the next government will fight terrorism or what
their election campaign may be?
The wave of violence has affected our workplace, worship place,
school, and even our homes. Most of the missionary institutes
are well guarded, and many missionary friends have been asked
to leave Pakistan for security reasons. The people of Pakistan
and the Christian community are taking this new era as a part
of life, and our everyday lives are moving on. Everywhere people
ask us if we are feeling "secure enough."
In the Thal Desert we are working in three Christian villages
and nine nearby Muslim villages. There seems to be tension and
fear between the communities. The leaders of the Muslim villages
promise the full support of their villages, and terrorists are
not active in these villages. Nevertheless in all three Christian
villages every night a group of men are assigned to keep watch.
Sometimes at night it is dangerous to work around the desert.
By the grace of God so far no serious incidents have occurred,
and the people of the three Christian villages wish that we remain
with them in this critical situation.
We ask for your prayers for the people of this country and us
as we go about our lives with the trust that God’s presence
will be with us as we start each new day. We pray that each one
of us will be protected by God’s love and care as we experience
this new feeling in this country where we have loved serving and
sharing our lives with the poor Christian communities.
Thanks to all who have been concerned for us at this difficult
time.
In His love,
Joseph, Shanthi, Anu and Joshua Joseph
The 2002 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 156
|
