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/