by Andy Krenz
His name was Arshad Mash. He was killed in 2005 when gunmen burst into a Sunday morning church service and opened fire in Wapda Town, Pakistan. Pastor Riaz carries Mash’s picture in his Bible as reminder that he carries the cause of Christ on the front line of the Kingdom.
What makes the “front line” the “front line?” The answer is profoundly simple. It is only the front line if physical or spiritual real estate can be won or lost. If no ground can be gained; or there is no risk of failure, it’s simply not the front line. It’s the place where the battle rages, and victory or defeat hangs in the balance.
Pastor Riaz was one of twelve Senior Victory Pastors officially ordained by Drs. George and Hazel Hill last week in Pakistan. Ordination to the ministry in Pakistan is a promotion to command troops on the front line. Why? Because in the Islamic Republic, simply going to church, let alone leading one,
poses serious risk. Praise God! It also facilitates the possibility of great victory, of new ground being won for Christ.
Though it is true everywhere, Phillipians 1:21 rings ever so profoundly in Pakistan.
“For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Those who live for Christ in Pakistan do so at the risk of losing their lives. They gather together to worship knowing that men like Arshad Mash have been killed doing the same. They continue to hold outreach meetings in spite of the increased risk of terrorist attack; and, they bear up under a political and social system that daily persecutes them for their faith. They do so for the cause of Christ at the prospect of winning ground.
Victory Church in the Rock, it’s not likely that many of us will be visiting Pakistan any time soon. However, we can take a shift on the front line without going all the way there (thank goodness…it’s a grueling trip). Remember, the front line is the place where we risk losing, but we can also win. There are battles over territory here too. Take a look at what ground in your sphere of influence is currently held by the Kingdom of Darkness. Are you willing to risk something to advance the Kingdom of Light? If not, consider Arshad Mash, Pastor Riaz, and the Christian minority living in Pakistan. Be inspired, be encouraged, and be emboldened.