A Bible is all that survived horror arson attack on Christians

 (Photo: Unsplash/Morgan Winston)

A Bible was all that was left after a Christian convert in Bangladesh lost his home in a fire which he believes was started by fellow villagers.

Since then, Rafiqul, aged 60, and his family of nine have since been sleeping under the open skies with just a small plastic roof for cover.

Rafiqul's local pastor said: "The neighbouring Muslims have been persecuting the family for the last couple of months.

"A group have previously attacked the family and even filed a false report stating that Rafiqul harassed them.

"They have been trying to grab their land and property for a long time."

Rafiqul believes that his Muslim neighbours want him out of the village and that they are likely to be behind what he strongly suspects is an arson attack.

He thinks they are trying to push him to leave the village because he converted to Christianity.

Open Doors sources say that no one in the neighbourhood was willing to help the family because of their conversion away from Islam.

The family had been out working on August 25 when the blaze was started and have been left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Open Doors is a global NGO network which has supported and strengthened persecuted Christians for over 60 years and works in over 60 countries. Open Doors provides practical support to persecuted Christians such as food, medicines, trauma care, legal assistance, safe houses and schools, as well as spiritual support through Christian literature, training and resources.

News
God is the remedy for grief
God is the remedy for grief

To have loved deeply and to have been loved in return is one of life’s greatest gifts. But when that love is taken away, grief follows. And grief, in many ways, never fully leaves.

What does new school trans guidance mean for Scotland?
What does new school trans guidance mean for Scotland?

Although the draft guidance applies only to schools in England, there are ramifications for Scotland too.

Why is 1 Corinthians 13 often read at weddings?
Why is 1 Corinthians 13 often read at weddings?

St Paul wrote a timeless definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13, known as the “love chapter”, which is one of the most famous chapters in the Bible and is often read at weddings. This is the story …

Christian and family groups denounce trans schools guidance
Christian and family groups denounce trans schools guidance

While the guidance gets some things right, it still permits social transitioning.