A Pakistani newspaper has reported that Asia Bibi was beaten by a prison guard earlier this month. The guard was reportedly suspended for three months, and a source told Compass Direct News that jail authorities pressured Asia and Ashiq to refrain from reporting the incident. Ashiq told VOM workers that jail management has been good to Asia. He reported that Asia said, “I am not horrified by this incident. God is with me; I have a Bible in my cell. I feel strong and protected.” Asia, who received a death sentence last year after being convicted of blasphemy, has been kept in a high-security cell in Sheikhupura jail because of death threats against her. Continue to pray for Asia’s safety, and pray for VOM staff and friends as they travel to Washington, D.C., in a few weeks to present a petition appealing for mercy in Asia’s case.

Reminder to self: pray for persecuted brothers and sisters!!!