Release International

Two Christian women in Punjab have an anxious wait before they appear in court on blasphemy charges tomorrow.

Martha Bibi and Asia Bibi, who are not related, were both expecting a hearing last week but both cases were adjourned until Tuesday. At Asia's last hearing in Nankana Sahib on June 8, the adjournment was prompted by prosecution witnesses from the police failing to turn up. Martha's hearing in Lahore last Thursday (Prayer Alert, June 10, 2010) was adjourned because the judge was 'unavailable'.

Both women, charged under Section 295C blasphemy laws, were accused after disputes with people they worked with. Asia Bibi has been detained in Sheikhupura District Jail following a discussion she had about her faith with fellow farm labourers in 2009. Charges were brought against Martha in 2007 after she became involved in a dispute with builders in Kasur who, her friends allege, refused to return equipment belonging to Martha and her husband, Boota Masih.

Members of Release partner Sharing Life Ministry Pakistan (SLMP) were in court last week to encourage both defendants – and have been offering practical and spiritual support to both women and their families. SLMP has also contributed to Martha's legal fees.

Martha is said to be 'very concerned' about the outcome of her trial and SLMP has reported that Asia's two daughters are finding it very hard to be separated from their mother.

(Sources: Sharing Life Ministry Pakistan, Release International)

• Pray that Martha, Asia and their families will have a fresh revelation of God's love and His power working in and through them.
• Pray for justice – and immediate acquittal – for these two women.

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