Provision for a Faithful Refugee Family

*Dan and *Lily had been friends with the *Jiskanis for many years. When they called to check in, they were greeted with the warmth and hospitality so characteristic of Pakistani culture.

*Bilal Jiskani, the father, had once been a pastor in Pakistan. His courage in sharing the gospel with his Muslim neighbors and baptizing numerous families had brought him into the crosshairs of persecution. The threats, beatings, and the final horror of their church building being set ablaze forced the Jiskanis to flee their homeland in fear for their lives. Just two months after their escape, Bilal succumbed to complications from diabetes.

Lily’s heart ached for the Jiskani family, now nine strong, who lived in hiding in a neighboring country, seeking asylum that had eluded them for over a decade. Despite their precarious situation, they continued to serve the body of Christ, leading vacation Bible school and contributing to their local church in various ways. As they chatted over tea, Dan and Lily learned that Mrs. Jiskani, Bilal’s widow, was struggling. Unable to afford her diabetes medication, she was rationing her pills, taking them every other day to make them last. Moreover, the younger girls in the family were plagued by bad dreams and tormented by an evil spirit.

Listening with compassion, Dan asked one of the older boys to fetch a Bible. They all sat on the floor as Dan led a Discovery Bible Study from the book of Daniel. He read in English while one of the older boys translated into Urdu for Mrs. Jiskani. At the study’s conclusion, Dan asked for some oil so they could pray and anoint the family. He encouraged them to pray for Mrs. Jiskani’s healing and for the deliverance of the younger girls from the tormenting spirits. 

As they bid the Jiskanis farewell, everyone felt more at peace. Lily reached into her pocket and handed over some money that a generous friend had given for the Jiskanis.

A week later, Dan and Lily received a heartfelt letter from the Jiskanis. The family expressed their deep gratitude for the Bible study and the prayer time. The girls were no longer tormented by evil spirits and bad dreams, and the money Lily had given would cover Mrs. Jiskani’s diabetes medicine for at least two years. They praised God for His provision, acknowledging His care for the widow and the fatherless as promised in His Word. 

Please pray for this dear family, that they will continue as bold witnesses to their Muslim brothers and sisters.

*pseudonyms

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