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"It is confusing and difficult to understand, but God has a purpose way beyond what I can understand. I'm honored to be a part of his purpose," she said.

Weerasooriya also thinks the attack was good for other Christians in Pakistan. "The police are more careful about protecting Christians now," she said.

The attack of the church was a defeat for Pakistani police, who have done everything they can to beef up the visible security. Senior Superintendent of the Islamabad police, Rao Iqbal, has taken a personal responsibility for the investigation, and he was also present at the church.

"We have several suspects, and they are from here, not from India," he said, refuting claims that Indian intelligence agents were responsible for the attack. Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has singled out Islamic militants, and they are also the prime suspects in the attack against the church.

"I'm very hopeful that we can solve this case fast," Iqbal says.

Copyright © 2002 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Related coverage includes:

No arrests made after church attack — Business Day (March 25, 2002)

Faith unbending in bombed church — The Washington Times (March 25, 2002)

A week after attack, congregation seeks solace — Associated Press (March 25, 2002)

Christians pray for killed in Pak church — The Times of India (March 24, 2002)

Christians Pray for Five Killed in Pakistan Church — ABC News (March 24, 2002)

Wounded marvel at survival — The Boston Globe (March 21, 2002)

Church Attack In Pakistan Kills Two From U.S. — The Washington Post (March 18, 2002)

Worshippers Dead in Pakistan Attack — Associated Press (March 17, 2002)

For more articles on the March 17 attack, see Yahoo's full coverage on Pakistan.

Christianity Today's World Report has more coverage of religious tensions and violence in Pakistan.

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March (Web-only) 2002, Vol. 46