Walid Shoebat’s “Rescue Christians” Org Claims to be Protecting Families in High-Profile Blasphemy Cases

Last month, I wrote a blog entry about an organisation called “Rescue Christians”. According to the organisation’s blurb:

…Our work will involve providing safe houses, food and medical care for persecuted Christian families with direct one and one support, with no administrative costs or waste. Our work will also involve the gaining of visas for these families to restart their lives in Western countries so they can rebuild their lives. Full details of the program detailed on www.rescuechristians.org. We are already helping two families with many more on a waiting list for assistance…

That was written by Keith Davies, who is better-known as Walid Shoebat’s handler, and the Rescue Christians website heavily promotes Shoebat and his anti-Islam screeds.

Rescue Christians also uses the name “The Raoul Wallenberg Project”, and it goes on to explain:

The Raoul Wallenberg Project is working with people on the ground who are well connected in the Christian community. They have reached out to us for our support to help alleviate their suffering, and in certain situations, help with their escape. For their protection we cannot expose their names publicly. In the future, large donors who are concerned about the transparency of funding, we can provide the names and details privately.

…. We are working behind the scenes with members of Congress, in particular the staff of Congressman Allen West, who has kindly offered his help on Capital Hill… We’ve assembled a group who have been involved in running a charity, and are aware of working with activists.

I expressed some concerns about this at the time: the names of the Christians they are supposedly helping are either confidential or they are not – leaking them to “large donors” is an amateurish way to demonstrate “transparency” and would anyway show very little about how efficiently or competently the organisation is being run. Why is there no formal board structure, or any trustees? Why haven’t Shoebat and Davies established a 501(c)(3), with all the checks and balances which would come with that? Who is going to look after these “safe houses”? How will their safety be assessed? What protocols are in place should emergencies occur?

Rescue Christians claims to be working on some high-profile cases:

Less than two weeks ago on March 15th, Qamar David, 56 years old, was found dead in his prison cell… His wife and children are also been pursued by extremists – they are in hiding.

On September 2009, Fanish Robert was arrested, accused of throwing a Quran. Two days later he was found dead in police custody… His families have also received threats – they are in hiding.

…These are just the initial cases that our organization has been asked to support. These case histories come from our very reputable contacts in Pakistan.

Because of our background of having already rescued one family, the contacts are in place and we are ready to continue with our next rescue mission.

In May, Davies published an update on Rescue Christians’ work, introducing an unnamed “contact in Pakistan”:

…Currently there are about nine families which are associated with Rescue Christians.org (RC). We are trying to provide them Safe Houses,food, Visa’s and Transport. RC has observed that the victims of the blasphemy laws are usually killed in police custody, sometimes even in the court room as well as in Judicial custody.

Rashid Emmanuel , Sajid Emmanuel, Qamar David , Fanish Robert were all were murdered in police custody or in court rooms. Their families are till today hiding to save themselves from the Religious Zealots, which are trying to find them and kill them.

Qamar David’s family are regularly been threatened by the Islamic extremists, therefore they are kept in hiding by RC. Same in the Case of Rashid Emmanuel and Sajid Emmanuel and Fanish Robert…

Rescue Christians is a new organisation. It is remarkable that it is already playing a central role in the aftermath of four especially high-profile cases, particularly given that three of the deaths occurred a while ago: Fanish Robert died in police custody in September 2009 in circumstances that the the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan described as “judicial murder”, while Rashid and Sajid Emmanuel were gunned down in court premises in July 2010 while on trial for blasphemy. Qamar David died in suspicious circumstances in prison in March this year, having been convicted in February 2010.

Of course, if Rescue Christians is “working with people on the ground”, it could be the case that activists who were already helping various families chose to become associated with Rescue Christians when the organisation was formed last month. But if so, how did this come about? Why choose to partner with someone like Shoebat, an absurd figure who purports to believe that Barack Obama is a secret Muslim working for al-Qaeda? Why not turn to an organisation such as Open Doors or Release International, which have a track-record in this area, rather than a man known only for anti-Muslim punditry?

And why is there no apparent liaison with groups such as Christian Solidarity Worldwide or International Christian Concern, which have both worked on the specific cases mentioned by Rescue Christians? All of these cases have received international attention, yet the involvement of Rescue Christians has apparently gone completely unnoticed.

It should also be possible to report more information about the threats against the families without compromising security. There are a few details in other sources: in the case of Robert, it was reported that following his death his family had left the village of Jethikey “for security reasons”, but that they had returned two weeks later. Regarding the Emmanuel brothers, some details about their family were provided by an Australian evangelist named Steve Cook: in an an email update sent to a blog just before their murders, he wrote that “Rashid and Sajid’s family is in hiding and moving from place to place,” and after their funeral that

Rashid and Sajid’s family are safe and there is astrong police presence in the Christian areas to prevent riots or further violence. However, they are concerned about what will happen once things settle down and the police presence is reduced or removed.

The killer was sentenced to death in April – a report about this here does not mention the brothers’ family’s current circumstances.

In the case of David, a family member quoted in this report “refused to give his name”, but there is no indication that the family is in hiding. The claim does not appear in a report by ASSIST Ministries, either, despite references to the family:

Andrew Johnston, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) Advocacy Director, said, “We are shocked to hear this sad news and our thoughts and prayers are with Qamar David’s wife and children. The last nine years of this family’s life have been utterly ravaged by the consequences of a vindictive blasphemy accusation that would have very likely been dismissed by the High Court in time. It is yet another tragic example of lives needlessly destroyed by the blasphemy laws in Pakistan and the inability of the government, court system and prisons to prevent this. Given the threats known to be faced by blasphemy prisoners, it is imperative that the true cause of his death be investigated properly and independently.”

…Joseph Francis, National Director of the Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS), in Pakistan, told the ASSIST News Service, “Hopefully we will get the full details about his unexpected passing away and will up-date accordingly with the cause of Qamar’s death as the family is in contact with CLAAS.”

Of course, it’s possible that the continuing plight of the men’s families has simply been overlooked, but that seems rather strange given the wide interest in the situation.

28 Responses

  1. […] Christians in Pakistan is a subject I’ve looked at a couple of times recently (here and here). He has created a separate organisation, called “Rescue Christians”, which has no […]

  2. […] is an evasive reply – as I noted last month, Shoebat has claimed to be protecting families affected by some of the highest-profile cases of Christian persecution […]

  3. […] I noted here, the Emmanuel brothers were gunned down in court premises in July 2010. Robert died in police […]

  4. Mission Statement of Open Doors and all the other so called “reputable” aid charities for Christians:

    “Serving Persecuted Christians Worldwide; We are an organization aimed at strengthening persecuted believers worldwide through community development, Bible & literature distribution, leadership training & education and ministries of prayer and advocacy.”

    Notice there is no mention of actual rescue work. How can distributing Bibles save peoples’ lives. That is like giving Jews a copy of the five books of Moses before being herded into the gas chamber. The only reason we took on this work Mr Bartholomew is we went to all these organizations that are “reputable” and asked them to save one family we were working with but every one refused. All Open Doors wish to do is collect money to pay their directors wonderful salaries in order to make people “aware” and pray. Not one organization we approached out of the 5 “reputable” ones had any interest in giving practical assistance to families needing help. So we decided to do something ourselves. We take zero as a salary and 100% of the money is used to help the Christians with the money going directly to each family wired by Western Union. Our registered NGO who replicates the work of Rauol Wallenberg sets up the safe houses and coordinates the distribution of money. He himself is under threat and was recently physically attacked sustaining a broken arm and severe bruising, his camera equipment and money stolen

    We have on record for any major donor that wishes to support “Rescue Christians” as well as for the IRS if they feel it necessary to check every dollar we have spent and who it was sent to.

    It is hard to view you as a Christian, as you continuously libel Mr. Shoebat and our work.

    Shame on you!

    • sure…..

    • I will side with Davies. Good work. Russ Wolford

      • I also side with Rescue Christians. I pray for their work to bear great fruit. God Bless

    • I don’t blame “Rescue Christians” for not becoming a 501(3)c entity. These are fast becoming the organizations not so different from the registered churches of China, Germany, and the former U.S.S.R. They are not “free religious organizations”, but rather those under the thumb of the government, bullied into silence when it comes to speaking Truth that is displeasing and contrary to the government and its liberal agendas. The organizations who fail to “tow the line” with the “powers that be” are threatened with losing tax exempt status, and are bullied into silence. I believe Rescue Christians was wise in “not” obtaining 501(3)c status. Thank you, Rescue Christians, for your work and for being wise, and thank you for loving enough to understand the extreme dangers associated with revealing contacts vital to helping those undergoing extreme persecution and even death, for lives are at stake.

  5. […] Gyadu on Archbishop Duncan Williams Marries US BusinesswomanKeith Davies on Walid Shoebat’s “Rescue Christians” Org Claims to be Protecting Families in High-P…Brainless Driving on US Anti-Islam Polemicists Fall Out: Andrew Bostom Accuses Robert Spencer […]

  6. […] months ago I noted a new initiative from the Walid Shoebat Foundation, entitled “Rescue Christians”. The […]

  7. What kind of moronic drivel is it to say that the heroic Walid Shoebat is absurd, to use the word, “handler” to describe his Director of operations, and to use the words, anti Islam screeds. You, Mr Bartholemew apparently are a hate filled liar and bigot when it comes to protecting and saving the lives of persecuted Christians, or those trying to escape the horrendous torture and death from Muslim terrorists. It’s obvious that you hide your obvious “religion” or rather, political system stance, as you try to discredit the heroic and godly works of these two organizations. Shame on you, you wicked man!!!

  8. […] Christians is the vehicle by which Walid Shoebat and his associates say they are helping persecuted Christians in Pakistan – Shoebat’s handler Keith Davies recently appeared on […]

  9. I feel so tired of reading blogs like this who, in the name of ‘exposing’ ministries, simply tear others down. Show me the ‘perfect’ church or ministry and I will think I am in heaven. Instead of criticising and tearing down, how about you offer prayer and support to this brother who is trying, out of great love for the persecuted brethren in Pakistan, to offer practical support and safety. You should be weeping for the plight of our suffering brothers and sisters, not tearing down others who are trying.

    • Thanks Bonnie,
      I agree with your thoughts. I just heard this speaker talk about the human slaughterhouses in Syria on the Mark Levin Show. I guess this blogger thinks the video’s and other facts are just a pipe dream.
      While this blogger talks about Peace, it looks like all he has to offer are stones to throw. I will not be visiting this site again. First time and Last time.
      http://rescuechristians.org/

  10. I sincerely want to help Christians around the world as I feel a pang of guilt sitting here comfortably while my brothers and sisters suffer for their faith in other countries. I found the below which indicates they are in pretty good standing and are registered as a 501(c)(3) contrary to what the OP said.

    http://www.ministrywatch.com/articles/persecuted.aspx

    Lay off about his anti Islam stance already, he is intimately familiar with Islam and the Koran, so I think he knows of what he speaks. I guess Boko Haram’s atrocities as well as ISIS is all just a misunderstanding and has nothing to do with Islam. Jesus said that there would be those who kill Christians who think they do a service to God. Islam is exactly that.

  11. I just read this from Forum for Middle East Understanding (FFMU) a Shoebat affiliate. “Rescue Christians (a division of Forum For Middle East Understanding) is excited to announce a major expansion of our organization; to open not only an office in Europe, in the country of Spain but also a major center to facilitate a temporary shelter to process hundreds of Iraqi and Syrian Christian refugees in the city of Madrid. Our European directors will be Mila and Manuel Fernanda who are the Pastors of the Living Water Church who are excited to be a major part of our network to save our Christian Brethren.” I could not find a website or any other info on this Pastor and his wife nor their Church in Madrid Spain. Nothing! No Church by that name and no couple by their names come up on web or news or directories.

  12. I think poster found himself hearing of a new organization (Rescue Christians) and had concerns about the validity of their claims. He wrote an article or entry to address those concerns. I have some concerns myself. Not because I’ve seen or heard something bad about your organization or its leaders. I have concerns because MANY organizations that were supposed to do great works, such as your own, are nothing more than the schemes of greedy men and women. I dont just mean Christian organizations either, it happens with many religious, animal welfare/rescue, veteran, save the children environmental organizations. A deceitful person(s) see an outcry somewhere to help something or someone, and steps in to accept funds for a solution. Sometimes the organization is a godsend and works wonders to help our world. Sometimes progress is made, but a varying amount of money disappears or is mishandled. worse of all sometimes it is nothing more than a ruse to steal from those looking to better our world and the lives of those in it. So having these concerns Richard B. wrote this post addressing them. I like to believe that he, like myself is a Christian. I dont think that he is trying to disgrace or bring down a good Christian charitable organization. I think hes just concernened that things may not be as the appear, or as we out told. Questioning Rescue Christians goals and actions does not make him less of a Christian as you rudely imply. It makes him intelligent enough to not believe everything he is told. Money corrupts, especially when its uses and whereabouts arent questioned. Ive just heard of Rescue Christians. I haven’t yet had the time to establish an opinion about this organization. I am however of the opinion that Keith Davies doesnt welcome the opinions or questions of concerned individuals, and that he conciders them a lesser Christian for voicing their concerns. Also, KK or whatever your name may be, your response is flar out rude and uncalled for. The poster didnt attack you in a forum. He didnt, in my opinion, attack this org either. I truly hope that you dont represent or work for Rescue Christians. He said nothing to lead anyone to believe he was against the rescue of persecuted Christians. That you would take that stance to descredit his concerns as nothing more than hate for rescuing Christians raises some VERY big concerns for me. KK, he is raising concerns, you my friend are casting stones.

    • Awesome Comment!! People in dire straits are often exploited for gain and you are correct, there is no way to know if all those organizations are popping up everywhere. At least a 501c3 operated non profit has to give an account for how, when and where to someone.

    • Awesome Comment!! People in dire straits are often exploited for gain and you are correct, there is no way to know if all those organizations that are popping up everywhere are even legitimate. At least a 501c3 operated non profit has to give an account for how, when and where to someone. I also question the Ungodly attitude that they express when questioned. Which is the right of every person thru solicit to for funds. You will know them by their fruit.

  13. I have been following these stories for several months. We are keeping
    persecuted /Christians in our rosary. We are sickened by these events in the mid-east ad Africa and china, as well. I love eastern Christians (was surprised to learn that a small percentage of Palestinians are Christians) and will continue to pray for them, for their protection and that God consoles them, comforts and protects them and strengthens their hope and faith.

  14. If you take the example of Christians in Palestinian villages that since the 90’s were made Sharia Law submissive, what you get is a Christianity defined by Islam. Which is to say, defined by a dead Jesus who was never resurrected and the proclamation that Jesus is God a heresy punishable by death. It isn;t simply discretion so as not to offend people it is a matter of life and death I have to wonder why this Christian hater wants to find out or have access to people he would put in danger by finding out? He is either very naive and uninformed, even with the beheading of children in Syria for not renouncing Jesus as Lord, a publicly declared fact or just another useful agent of the Muslim Brotherhood.

  15. From a guy who said that my grand father did not know Winston Churchill and was proven WRONG and now shedding doubts about Rescue Christians. Well, what can I say. Keep at it. There is no success like success and bad media like yours is still “media”. Is there anything I could irritate you with to write more “negative stuff” will be glad to do so.

    • I think the general concerns I raised about accountability in the above are reasonable and creditably expressed.

      Also, I never stated that your grandfather did not know Churchill, just that the alleged connection does not appear in any biographical source on Churchill. In response, you shared a 1929 news report in which your grandfather appears as a civic dignitary receiving Churchill in Eureka, and a 1982 news report in which they are described as having been “friends”. I was more than happy to publish your account, although I don’t regard the 1982 report as proving anything. In any case, I don’t see what it has to do with the above.

      Incidentally, these hostile responses to perfectly reasonable observations and questions is very telling.

  16. I give to rescue Christians but I haven’t received any news letters for weeks since about the time that their info in the news letter that some files being hack. I miss reading news that the Shobat’s produce. Thank you

  17. I believe it is aelolutbsy plausible. If you consider the flak Romney got for speaking up about Cairo, consider that the White House talking heads tried to downplay what happened by slamming Romney’s critique of the events. It is possible that the White House had all the responses scripted and when things went wrong they decided to use the scripts as written with a few modifications and to ad-lib as the opportunities presented. That is why there was no reference to it being a planed terrorist attack. Why this seem so out there to some, while 911 as a conspiracy by Bush is so believable is beyond me.

  18. There register a case U/S 295c blasphemy case against me.But with the Blessing of God and with the help of RC I’m Acquitted now.Institutions and Organizations are not bad like this RC is not bad organization BUT some people are not good there.
    RC team in Pakistan made a bundle of promises to me. I don’t know what was their authority, But all their promises was fake.They just used me.Made my videos and snapshot and post it all over,Know they left me according to their plan. But I’m reputed now.can not go outside.
    So it is a request to RC. If you cannot fulfill your words then why you are posting our videos.
    Your trying to kill us.
    Please remove my post. RC team in Pakistan know this who is me and from my email address.

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