More than 1,000 people gathered in Lahore on Friday to pray for the release of Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death for alleged blasphemy.

“Many organizations still want to see her dead; our staff also needs your prayers as even we are facing threats,” said Sohail Johnson, chief coordinator of Sharing Life Ministry Pakistan (SLMP) at St John’s Catholic Church.

The SLMP provides financial and legal aid to Christian prisoners. It is presently funding 25 families, including Bibi’s, and supporting the education of 97 children.

Aasia Bibi sparked an international outcry last year after being found guilty of blasphemy.  In March Federal Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti was assassinated after he criticized the blasphemy laws. Pope Benedict XVI has also pleaded for Bibi to be released.

Last week Bibi’s family visited her in Sheikhupura Jail.

“Take care of yourselves and keep praying, she told us,” said Bibi’s daughter Isham Ashiq, 12.

The family remains in fear of their lives and continues to remain in hiding. “I do not know where we shall spend our Christmas,” he said

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