Prayer for Perseverence

On February 27, it was brought to my attention by lifesite.com that Pakistan is having population issues. Apparently, "The UN has targeted Pakistan with aggressive population control measures over the past five years. In November 2000, the UNFPA threatened to withdraw US$250 million in health programs if the country refused to accept an additional $35 million in funding for birth control and abortion. Pakistan succumbed to pressure and agreed to make population control a “national priority” in the country" (lifesite.com). Yet, abortion is illegal in Pakistan after the 4th month.

The e-mail update I received on the 27th told a story of a Pakistani nurse who was punished for refusing to perform an illegal abortion for a local woman. The men in the woman's family attempted to persuade the nurse to perform the procedure, but after she refused, they subjected her to punishment according to tribal ways -- she was gang raped upon orders of the village elders because of her "transgressions".

This is a horrifying thought, and sadly is not uncommon, though it often goes unreported because of the shame and fear felt by the women. These women and the nation of Pakistan need our prayers.

I found the story especially scary, as I'm a young woman hoping to doing nursing missions work overseas. Yet, I realized that there's something amazing about this story as well. This nurse was not unaware of the punishments distributed in the village. She knew the risks; yet, she chose to stand up for what she believed was right. She stood up for that baby, she stood up for life. I admire her courage and bravery. I pray that she will continue to be strong, despite the cosequences of her rape. I pray the Lord will provide for her needs and for the needs of any children that may have been conceived in all of this.

Yet, above all else, I'm thankful for this woman. I pray that I can learn to stand up for my God and His word in the face of hardships and persecution as she has. I pray that all of us pro-lifers, all of us Christians will be able to boldly live our lives and let others see that we are unwaivering on following our Lord. I pray that He will strengthen us.

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted tehy the prophets which were before you." Matthew 5:20-12