Lahore Suicide Bombing at Children's Park

Dear Friends,

27th March 2016 was a day of celebration for the Christians in Pakistan. We were celebrating the Resurrection day and also celebrating a day when it was a peaceful day for Christians. We celebrated Easter with Sunrise service and then a service at 10:30 am. The churches were all jam packed. The State provided us security through police. We all were so thankful to God for His safety till it was 6:30 pm. We were all at home at 151 Raza Block Allama Iqbal Town. Our house is also packed with Javaid's 4 sisters and their husbands and some of their children who have come to attend a wedding from America when we heard a big blast. This blast was only 5 minutes walk from our place. This is the place where Javaid and I usually go for a walk whenever time permits us. This is a place which is on a walking distance where I took Elisha my grand daughter every other day when they were in Pakistan for Christmas, since it has many different kinds of swings too. This park attracts children more as it has different variety of birds and animals. This is the park where poor Christians and Muslims come to celebrate as many rides are free. On Easter and Christmas we would see a lot of Christians. (see park photo above)

The blast injured nearly 300 young parents and killed 72 all young parents and children who had brought their children for joy rides. The lush green park was all covered with blood and dust.

A Pakistan Taliban splinter group claimed responsibility for this deadly suicide attack - "We carried out this Lahore attack as Christians are our target", as was told by this group by telephone from an undisclosed location.

Punjab Chief Minister announced three days of mourning.

This is a difficult time for us all. Many of our Christian brothers and sisters have lost their near and dear ones. A Christian family came with 5 children and three died in the bast. My immediate family is safe but this incident has really shaken us. We strongly believe that there is a day to die. We are not going to die of fear everyday.

Life goes on with HOPE, TRUST AND FAITH IN THE LORD.

Office will be resumed from tomorrow. Please pray for Pakistan and also for Christians in Pakistan.

Veda