Background
In the early 2000s, Shahbaz Bhatti was known worldwide as a courageous Christian voice for religious freedom in Pakistan. Shahbaz lived an exemplary life, daily demonstrating heroic love of neighbor, speaking out for victimized religious groups in his home country. Unafraid of death threats from extremists because of his advocacy, he followed Christ, regardless of the cost. His tragic murder by the Pakistani Taliban rocked the world in March 2011. And it rocked my world, as Shahbaz was my friend.
I saw how Shahbaz tirelessly advocated for the persecuted, be they his fellow Christians or members of other communities such as Hindus, Ahmadi Muslims, Shia Muslims, atheists, or Sunni Muslims standing up to extremists. He knew the risks, but Shahbaz held an eternal perspective. He declared days before his death, “I want to share that I believe in Jesus Christ, who has given his own life for us. I know what is the meaning of the Cross, and I’m following the Cross.” He was fearless, speaking out on behalf of the persecuted, carrying his small candle into dark places to shine a light of hope.
With a pandemic of persecution victimizing members of every faith somewhere, we must not forget heroes like Shahbaz Bhatti. Thanks to a grant from the Templeton Religion Trust, we launched this effort to commemorate his life and memorialize his courage. Shahbaz has been a model for me and many other religious freedom advocates. But now, 15 years after his death, his memory is beginning to fade, and the next generation does not know Shahbaz. Hopefully, this book will revive his memory and inspire others.
It is rare to meet someone willing to sacrifice everything for a cause, a person who knowingly faces death out of obedience to God’s call to help others. I had that honor. We best honor Shahbaz’s sacrifice by following his example of advocating for the persecuted, both Christians and those from other faiths, as a demonstration of God’s love for all. I hope and pray this graphic novel will keep his flame alive.
Knox Thames
Founder and Executive Director
Christians Against ALL Persecution
www.CAAPNetwork.org/
ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM
Matt Yocum
Writer Matt Yocum recently retired from the Air Force, where he lived in and traveled through the Middle East, including many visits to Pakistan. He’s an active writer, including for Marvel Comics on the Avengers and Wolverine. He and his wife and adopted twin boys live in North Carolina.
Jordan Holt
Living in Tennessee and serving as Associate Professor of Graphic Design at Lee University, artist Jordan Holt is best known for his graphic novel series Theseus from Carthage Press. He and his wife have five children.
Knox Thames
Knox Thames is a former diplomat with over two decades of experience combatting religious persecution. A close friend of Shahbaz, Knox has developed a deep bond with the Bhatti family now living in Canada. Today, he continues his advocacy as an author and thought leader. He and his wife live in the Washington, DC area with their two sons.
Mandi Hart
Project adviser Mandi Hart is the President of More Productions, Inc. In addition to this project, she is currently overseeing the production of 21 Martyrs, a film project aiming to tell the story of faith of the 21 Christians kidnapped and executed by ISIS in a graphic novel style.
PUBLISHER AND SUPPORT
BLOOD & WATER is made possible thanks to publisher Ignatius Press and the generous support of the Templeton Religion Trust.
