Friends
of a popular Pakistani preacher killed by a hit-and-run driver suspect he may
have been murdered because of his conversion from Islam.
Rashid
Mehmood, 33, came from a rich, influential Muslim family but turned to Christ in
2005. Though he trained as a lawyer, he decided to become a pastor and to preach
the Gospel, despite strong opposition from his relatives.
He
was riding pillion on a motorbike driven by another pastor friend on Boxing Day
when a car began to chase them, then deliberately drove into Rashid. He suffered
serious head injuries and died later in hospital, shortly after undergoing
surgery.
Two
days earlier, Rashid had preached about Jesus being the only true and living God
and the embodiment of God’s love, quoting from the Koran at some points. Release
partners say Rashid was a role model for other Christians with a Muslim
background and that his death ‘broke people’s hearts’. Release Int.
