Several Pakistani Christian asylum seekers displayed their passion for others hurt by global extremism by holding a memorial today in Bangkok, Thailand. 
A delegation of 7 Pakistani Christians, including British Pakistani Christian Association Chairman Wilson Chowdhry, visited the Mali Embassy and the
French Embass. The group bravely demonstrated their sympathy and solidarity with victims, despite the potential dangers of arrest and detainment they
all faced by doing so in a nation that deems them surplus to requirements.

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The sombre delegation was organised in response to gunmen who raided a Malian hotel and shouted “Allahu akbar” as they sprayed bullets at the tables of
people who were gathered for breakfast on 22nd September 2015, killing 19 international holiday makers and Malian citizens.  This attack occured
only a week after a series of coordinated terrorist attacks consisting of mass shootings, suicide bombings, and hostage takings occurred in Paris,
France, in which 130 people were killed and 368 injured – now labelled the worst attack on French soil since World War 2.  

Christian Malik, our BPCA officer in Bangkok, said:

 “Our hearts were moved when we heard of the Paris attacks.  Despite our daily setbacks, we felt the pain of the French and Mali people who, like us, have suffered great loss as a consequence of Islamic extremism” 

The delegation, who choose not to be named due to fears for their safety, had to make the trip at night when the two embassies were closed for fear
of arrest. Surprisingly there was little police and military security force near the Mali Embassy and despite the consulate being enclosed within an
office block, a kindly security officer allowed the small group access after a thorough search of all persons, our bouquet, and candles.

At the French Embassy police and military officers were providing much tighter security and the Pak-Asylum seekers prayed for their safety as they ventured
out of the taxi used for travel between embassies.  The BPCA approached a French Embassy officer who agreed to take the flowers from our delegation
and present our card of sympathy to the French Ambassador.

 

The card read: “The Pakistani Christian asylum seeker community of Thailand and British Pakistani Christian Association express our great condolences
for your recent loss. The unprovoked attack on innocent communities in this fashion only serves to galvanise good humans against intolerance and hatred
and we declare our solidarity with you.

‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

Psalm 23:4 King James Version (KJV)

After delivering the flowers, candles were lit in remembrance of the precious lives lost in the recent attacks.

Wilson Chowdhry, BPCA chairman said:

“Whilst in Thailand I was approached by several Pakistani Christian asylum seekers all of whom, despite their present illegal status due to Thai non ratification of the UN conventions for asylum, desired to express their condolences to the nations of France and Mali. Terrorists attacks such as these are sadly all too common in Pakistan and the asylum seekers who joined us have first hand experience of Islamic extremism and felt a real sense of loss for the innocent victims. Many more Pak-Christian asylum seekers wished to join us but we organised just a small group since we did not want to create a safety risk for them. What really struck me was the asylum seekers’ passion to do good for others despite the inhumane treatment they receive themselves. I believe the French Embassy officer who received the flowers from us recognised the passion in our faces when he offered to take the bouquet. Such small gestures, if amplified, could make this world a better place to live in.”

We will continue to do all we can to help Pak-Christian asylum seekers in Thailand , but we can’t do it without you.  Please pray and give what you can to enable them move to on to a life free from harassment and religious hatred.

 Your gift can be sent using these bank details:

 Payee: BPCA

 Sort Code: 20-44-22

 Account number: 43163318

 Bank: Barclays

 Ref: Love for Pakistani Christian asylum seekers

 For international donations please use these details:

 IBAN: GB62 BARC 20442243163318

SWIFTBIC: BARCGB22 

Alternatively you can use the PayPal, our email address is info@britishpakistanichristians.org.

Cheques should be made payable to the BPCA to our address: 57 Green Lane, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1XG.

BRITISH PAKISTANI CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION is a trading name for BRITISH PAKISTANI CHRISTIANS LTD which is a charity entered onto the Register of Charities with the Registered Charity Number 1163363 

Thank you.

With your support we hope to change the lives of millions of Pakistani Christians.

Heartfelt prayers of sympathy and solidarity were offered for the victims of the Paris attack
 

Candles and flowers were placed in tribute
 

The small but passionate delegation
 

A simple but beautiful gesture of sympathy and unity