Keeping the Sabbath Holy<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
 
Christians are a small minority in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Pakistan—only about 2 percent of a population of 160 million people. Some endure discrimination and persecution, and most are deprived of basic rights.
      Poor and uneducated, many Christians are forced to work at pottery factories or labor as brick kiln workers earning no more than the equivalent of $2 (U.S.) a day.
      Such is the situation for Christian Shaukat Masih. His boss threatened to beat him if he continued to attend church services rather than report to work on Sunday mornings. Shaukat told his boss he would be happy to work each Friday—the Muslim Sabbath day—instead. He was not afraid of his boss’ threats. “Nobody is bigger than God,” said Shaukat. “My boss is the owner of the brick kiln only, but God is the owner of my life, and that’s why I’m not afraid.”
      When Shaukat reported to work after attending church services, he was greeted by three managers who beat his body and face with brass knuckles. Some of his teeth were broken from repeated punches to his left cheek. His cheek became infected.
     He has few work options available, therefore, he continues to labor at the brick kiln despite the threats and attacks against him.
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