Ruby Naeem is based in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

“During this Covid19 crisis, my husband and I heard from a Christian mother of three who is struggling to provide for her family. In her slum area, a Muslim NGO has distributed food items to the residents, and the mother approached the charity. The person in charge asked to see her National Identity Card where her religion, ‘Isai’ (Christian) was mentioned. This person simply refused to give her food. She was given the option to accept Islam in return of food, even a double portion.

“The young mother boldly stood for her faith saying, ‘How could I reject Jesus Christ’s love for food. It would better be to die without food.’

“This story brought tears in our eyes and we decided to initiate a Compassion Campaign for our brothers and sisters in Christ. So far, we have distributed food to 230 families.

“And we pray that in suffering, we can all show a Christ-like character, like the young mother who came to us. Peter actually says we can rejoice in suffering.” (1 Pe 4:13)

Ruby’s words are not a simple reciting of Bible promises – Pakistan’s Christians are among the most persecuted faith communities in the world and attacks, false accusations, rapes, and forced conversions are common.

Paul challenges us in in 1 Corinthians 1:4, God comforts us in sufferings and enables us to comfort others.

Please remember to pray for Christian families around the world who are not fee to worship God openly – persecution continues and is even increasing while the eyes of the world are focused on Covid19.

Rise in Strength (RIS) wants to have a focus on the experiences of women – we have been struck by the fact that over 70% of health workers and carers are women. Often, they are doing the lowest paid jobs eg cleaning in hospitals or caring for the elderly. RIS wants to have a focus on the experiences of women – we have been struck by the fact that over 70% of health workers and carers are women. Often, they are doing the lowest paid jobs eg cleaning in hospitals or caring for the elderly. In many places, the clothing for health workers on coronavirus wards is called PPE – Personal Protective Equipment. We want to bring you spiritual PPE – Prayers and Prophetic insights to Encourage us all. Women are resilient and we hope our short messages protect you to keep on being amazing.