Around 70 young men and women are part of the discipleship groups. One of these is Adil*, an 18-year-old young man who works at a motor workshop as a mechanic. His highest level of education was middle school. Other students in the Bible study group completed higher levels of education. Because of this, Adil was very shy and afraid to read the Bible in front of the others. The OM team encouraged him to read the Bible at home and said that God would help him gain confidence. They also told him that it did not matter if he could read the Bible in front of other students or not.

After that, he relaxed and was encouraged. Now he is a regular member of the Bible study group and even arrives before the others. He thanked the team for their motivation. Adil said, “Now I am comfortable during the study and conscious about what I study. I started to read the Bible at home and very soon I will be able to read the Bible in front of others.”

In another area there are 75 men and women gathering weekly to learn from the word of God. The team meets for prayer at a local church. Irum*, a nurse, requested the team to pray for her colleague and friend. She said that doctors had diagnosed her friend with cancer and she was worried, but had faith that if Christians prayed for her she could be healed.

The team prayed with Irum regularly for her friend. Two weeks later, Irum excitedly entered the church and updated the team saying that after medical examination her friend is free from cancer. She said, “My friend is glad that God gave answer to our prayers and her faith has increased.” The team praised God and encouraged Irum to share God’s salvation plan with her friend too. The team members are now equipping Irum to share her faith. 

Praise God for the team that is serving passionately in this region and for opportunities to share the gospel among the least reached Pashtuns. Pray for the Bible study class and prayer movement participants to encounter God and have close relationships with Him for a big change in this region.

*Name changed

Surriya*, a trainer at one of OM’s sewing centres, shared her thoughts about the opportunities she has gained, saying, “I am very thankful to God and then the OM team, who took initiative to help the community through skills development training.

I am from this community and know the challenges. Women of my village were working as housemaids and farm workers. Often, they get much lower wages than men and face sexual harassment. All this was shameful and painful, but to support their households, women needed to continue to bear such treatments.

A lot has changed now. Those who learned to sew are earning good incomes, and their honour is safe. The graduates are sending more trainees to our centre and have started women’s awareness seminars. It is an honour to me that I am part of this transformational initiative in my own community. I am hopeful that this small step will make a big change in my community.”

Sana* is a graduate of the three-month sewing training at OM’s centre. She has many goals to support her family. Sana shared, “This training centre gave me new direction. I not only learnt how to stitch clothes but also how to live and face challenges. I want to help my family by stitching clothes. As I am encouraged by this training, I have already decided to send my younger sister here to learn.”

Another story of change belongs to Nadia*, who recently completed her computer training. She is very excited to have received training in computer technology and aims to be a software engineer. She shared, “I was way behind when I joined this academy. I am motivated through this course to strive ahead, and it has inspired me to reach for higher studies in computer technology from a university. I really appreciate this opportunity at this academy where I found myself becoming a role model for my community.”

*Name changed for security

As they began their work, Saif and Asma expended much energy and struggled to find people interested in knowing about Jesus’ love. They also lacked like-minded partners in their area who could help them reach out to Muslims. However, after attending a specific training related to their work of reaching local communities for Christ, they changed their approach. As a result, the couple saw three new second-generation groups form, as well as four more new groups start for those seeking to know about Jesus. Reaching the second generation was “a big surprise for us,” Asma said.

Now in a mentoring role for others, Saif and Asma remain involved by providing training to leaders, helping them resolve crisis situations and meeting with seekers to study the Bible. “We understand now what the home churches need to grow,” Saif said. In their regular activities, the two seek out ways to share the gospel and find people who want to know more about Christ.

Saif and Asma have charted these 10 home churches with members who came from a Muslim background. They also have one group from a Hindu background. These groups meet weekly and are led by local leaders. “So not only do we have 10 groups, we also have second-generation groups, and our other groups also have seekers’ groups,” Asma said.

Saif has not been able to find other people working among the Muslim community in his area. “Mostly people prefer to work among Hindus because that is easier. Hindus are also a minority community like [Christians] so that is not tough. Muslims are a majority community so that is more difficult.”

Saif's goal is to multiply workers. He desires to train locals to go into Muslim communities to share about Christ and see fellowships start. This will allow the work to continue when Saif is not able to visit.

“We have a hidden picture of the third generation of our work,” Saif said, pointing back to the chart, where he had marked seeker groups and a few select believers. “There are a few people, but there is not too much work among them. So in the near future, we hope we will reach to the third generation.”

Family of faith

One changed life Saif and Asma have seen is Osman*, a young man in a nearby community. He is a seeker and regularly reads from the Bible he kept hidden in his home.

One day, Osman saw his mother reading the Bible and became very fearful. He was afraid his mother would report him to the community. He feared facing threats or beatings if people became angry and aggressive towards him because he was reading the Bible. When his mother met him, she said, “You can read this secretly but don’t tell others.” At that time, he was happy that he could continue to read the Bible. After some days, his mother also regularly started studying the Bible.

When Osman told Saif that his mother was also reading the Bible, Saif arranged to give her a large-print Bible so it would be easier for her to read. Six months later, Osman’s mother found the truth. She recognised that Jesus was the way, the truth and the life. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Saviour. Later, Osman also became a believer.

One day, Osman’s uncle came to visit. He found Osman’s mother’s Bible and started reading it. He said to her, “This book is good for me, not for you.” So he took the Bible and left.

“Now he is reading the Bible as well,” Saif said, smiling. “God is working from one to another.”

Saif noticed a further change in Osman’s life as he continues to grow in faith. His daughter’s leg was broken in an accident. When Saif and Asma visited Osman’s home, they were amazed to find Osman’s copy of the New Testament in clear sight of his mother, wife, sisters and children. Before, Osman would read the Bible secretly. “Now, I read my New Testament in front of my kids and tell them it is a very precious book,” he said. His young son told him, “Papa, keep this book safe. When I become a big boy, I will also read it.” Osman’s wife is also reading the scriptures, though secretly, as she wants to show herself a devout Muslim. The day after their visit, Osman’s wife called Asma, asking her to pray for her daughter’s quick recovery. “We are praying for Osman’s wife,” Asma said, “that God will open her heart and she will come to the Lord, so that as a family they grow in faith.”

Praise God for how He is working in the families in Pakistan and establishing vibrant communities of Jesus followers among the least reached.

*Name changed for security.

Kabir’s uncle, whom he described as a radical Muslim cleric, learned that Kabir was not practicing Islam and was reading Christian books through the postal service. One afternoon when Kabir was out of his house, his uncle searched his bedroom and found the Injeel (New Testament) along with other Christian books in his cupboard. He became angry, tore the books and later burnT them in front of Kabir. This was painful for Kabir, although the physical beating by his cousins was unbearable too.

After a week, Kabir secretly left his hometown and moved to a big city to find a job and place of spiritual nourishment. Through a mutual friend, he got in contact with OM team members. After hearing his story, the team members encouraged him to return to his hometown and witness for Christ. He remained in the fellowship and started to pray for his hometown and family’s salvation too. Contact with other believers allowed Kabir to grow deeper in his understanding of God and the Scriptures.

It took six months for Kabir to make the decision of returning to his hometown. During this period, he was receiving regular calls from his mother with the same plea to return home, and to practice whatever faith he wished. But, his uncle’s phone call really helped him to decide to go back as his uncle mentioned to him, “I am suffering from severe headaches and having dreams about burning your books. I want to give you all the books back. Please come back and let me know where to buy those for you.” Kabir replied to him, “Those books are not commonly available in bookstores, and I already have the Injeel, so don’t worry about getting those back. I will pray for your healing.” But his uncle was persistent in calling him to come back as the headaches were unbearable.

Kabir shared the issue with the men on OM’s team and they urged him that God wanted him to go back and work among his family and hometown. Kabir finally returned to his hometown and prayed for his uncle, who was healed afterwards. Kabir is now leading a fellowship group in his hometown, while OM team members are in regular contact with him and discipling him to disciple others. Through building up local believers, OM is working toward vibrant communities of Jesus followers among the least reached.

Please pray for Kabir to keep shining as a light in his hometown and reaching out to people around him in different ways; he runs a library with Christian and other literature and does community development work, as well. Pray for OM teams to continue to witness for Christ with boldness and equip believers from the majority faith background to reach their own communities effectively.

*Name changed to protect identity.

As one team made plans to visit a local hospital, the team leader sensed God encouraging them to speak bold­ly about Christ. Upon arrival, they visited a children’s ward and went from bed to bed, asking patients if they wanted prayer in Jesus’ name. Though hesitant, one mother allowed them to pray for her sick child. While the team prayed, people gathered around with their sick children. Before long, many were asking for prayer and healing for their children. Team members took courage at this response and prayed for 20 patients, in the end also visiting four other wards. When it was time to leave, the team connected these patients with a local pastor for further follow-up.

Team member Sumera* expressed, “I was very afraid in the morning, when told that we would be boldly praying in the name of Jesus among Muslims, as that could create a dangerous situation for us. But as we prayed for the first patient, and patients kept coming to us, I didn’t feel any pressure and was rejoicing over God’s provision.”

Another team visited a community in the desert. The previous year, people there had received food packs provided by the OM team in response to a famine. The villagers, most of whom are Hindu, were excited to receive the team a second time. Kyval*, one of the villagers, said, “Since you gave us food packs and prayed for our situation, we have seen growth in our provisions. For the past 12 months, we could feed ourselves and our cattle. For decades, we were struggling to come to this point and that never happened until you prayed. Please keep coming and praying for us.”

The team also arranged a “Jesus” film showing that 200 villagers attended. Many of them said they were curious to know more about Jesus, so the local team plans on visiting this community regularly to build relationships and teach from the Bible.

The third team visited the shrine of a famous religious saint. There the team saw couples and individuals approaching the grave of the saint, weeping and begging for their needs to be fulfilled. The team members talked with different visitors and were able to explain that God could hear their prayers from every place, and that there is only one intercessor for the world, Isa Al-Masih (Jesus Christ). Shameem*, a visitor to the shrine, told a team member, “I have travelled three hours to come to this place, and no one in my village told me that Allah [God] could hear my prayers from anywhere. Thanks for sharing about Isa; I will now be praying in Isa’s name.” She also took a New Testament the team members offered and promised to read it.

A fourth team went to a drug rehabilitation centre, where team member Naeem* told his personal testimony to 20 for­mer drug users. Naeem used to be a drug supplier and came to know Jesus through the work of an evangelist in his area. He shared, “I was supplying drugs and making lots of money from it and becoming very greedy, but God helped me see through a brother that I was destroying lives in the pursuit of money. I quit this activity, accepted Christ as my Saviour and found God to be a wonderful provider. He is fulfilling all my needs, and I am now sharing about Christ to others.”

Four men approached Naeem afterwards to express their gratitude for the way his testimony encouraged them. Jameel*, a former drug user, told him, “I have never seen someone making such a sacrifice for others.”

Naeem instantly replied, “Isa gave His live for others’ sake, and I am following Him.”

“I want to learn why Isa gave His life,” Jameel replied. Naeem then explained to Jameel about Christ’s love for the world and connected him with local team members who could continue in conversation with him.

*Name changed for security

One team of women went door to door throughout a village. They met several families, who called themselves Christians but actually practiced a mystical religion. A team member asked the host, “Why have you forsaken the Living God and are following the dead?” Saima*, their host, answered, “My husband has turned away from God and he wanted us to do the same, though we are not following his ways.” She asked them, “Please pray that he could leave the idols and accept Christ again, because of this our family life is terrible. Pray for the unity in our family.” 

In another village, one team planned an outdoor meeting for the community. The team visited homes in the area and invited families to come and listen to God’s Word. During the visit, a woman shared, “The people of my area desperately need salvation. Thank you for coming to our area.” Over 100 people joined the meeting and several placed their hope in God.

Another team was distributing New Testaments and leaflets in a city. On the road, they met a man. “What is this you are distributing?” he asked eagerly. The team member replied, “This is the Word of Truth.” With a glowing face he expressed, “Wow, this is the Injeel [God’s Revelation]! I really wanted to have this, because, for years, I was looking for this.” The team member got excited upon hearing this and prayed for the man at the spot so that the Lord would open his mind when he reads.

Please pray for many who are looking for a copy of the Injeel and who want to know about Christ, but have not found one yet, as few believers are ready to share their faith with others because of fear.

*Names change to protect identities.

In 2003, OM recruited an indigenous leader to work among the unreached people groups in Sindh province. With a new strategic plan and four team members studying language and culture, OM's work in Sindh province was ready to move forward. 

This team decided to start a grocery store in a central location that gave access to five other cities and villages. Leaders from other missions had never found success there. OMers heard that darkness prevailed due to the large number of religious shrines and tombs of mystic Islamists. They were told that this province was cursed.

Qasim, a Punjabi, recalls his early days in team ministry: "While learning the language and culture, I found Sindhi are loving and hospitable, but also fierce avengers; tribal wars can last many generations. But quickly I found Sindhis also have a thirst for the Word of God and are eager to learn about Christ. This helped me to continue.”

The grocery store initially gained a lot of local patronage but soon fell under suspicion. Between the bookrack of contextualised material for an adult literacy course in the back of the store and their evangelistic tendencies, the OM team seemed atypical businessmen. The team hired local believers to work there, yet profits failed to increase and the store had to close. As a result, the team had more time to meet with people.

Nadeem said, “It was embarrassing that we ran into deficit but, as we had more time to reach the Sindhis, I found God’s purpose. The closure helped us to focus on the work He wanted us to do. We saw amazing response from the people.”

Try something else

The team developed its own correspondence course based on the Jesus film and advertised it in local newspapers. An overwhelming response led to new relationships with local seekers. The team also launched a health and hygiene initiative in remote villages, installing hand pumps to provide clean drinking water and toilets for less fortunate communities.

In one village, Nadeem met Ahmad who, during Nadeem’s next visit, indicated that he wanted to discuss a private matter—he had secretly completed a Bible correspondence course. This was a ‘wow’ moment for Nadeem. Together they started a series of secret meetings and, by 2010, Ahmad asked Nadeem to baptise him. Ahmad then volunteered in OM’s relief response to flood-damaged villages. Serving with OMers deepened Ahmad's faith. One Sunday morning, Ahmad and another brother were baptised in the Indus River. Ahmad’s face glowed. He said, “I am feeling amazing peace in my mind. I have rejected the curse of death from my life. I really want my family and tribesmen to have a similar experience.”

Later, Ahmad revealed to his family that he followed Isa Masih (Jesus the Anointed). This ignited a firestorm. His father and brothers opposed his faith. Nadeem urged Ahmad not to leave his house. So, Ahmad stayed, though he was beaten many times. 

Ahmad’s mother was his only ally and protected him. On a winter evening in 2010, his father ordered him to leave; he could no longer tolerate an infidel in his home. Ahmad’s mother intervened. After hours of arguing, they resolved that Ahmad could stay, but not inside the home. So, Ahmad was forced to sleep on the roof through all four seasons. Yet he continued loving his family.

In April 2011, Ahmad’s father passed away and tensions at home subsided. OM helped Ahmad renovate his home later that year after more flooding. Through that, Ahmad got his own room. He was excited, relieved and motivated, starting a fellowship of his friends in this place.

In 2014, Ahmad went to the School of Mission, OM’s initiative to develop a new generation of missionaries. Upon completion he said, “There is a great harvest among unreached people groups but many are fearful and less equipped. I am hopeful that my ministry among my own tribe will save many souls.” 

Qasim became the team leader in 2011 with the rise of the indigenous fellowships. Together Qasim and Ahmad are part of a team that have nine fellowships running in three cities. These fellowships have 100-plus believers and seekers involved.

Adnan and J. Paul serve separately with OM in Western and Central Asia with their families. They desire to see more people place their hope and faith in Christ, reaching the unreached through all possible creative means.

I am very thankful to God and then the OM team who took initiative to help the community through skills development training.

I am from this community and know the challenges. Women of my village were working as housemaids and farm workers. Often, they get much lower wages than men and face sexual harassment. All this was really shameful and painful, but to support their households, women needed to continue to bear such treatments.

A lot has changed now—those who learned [sewing] skills are earning good wages, plus everything is coming through honour. The graduates are sending more trainees to our center and they are visiting different houses of the village and have started women's awareness seminars. It is an honour for me that I am part of this transformational initiative in my own community. I am hopeful that this small step will make a big change in my community."

We deeply appreciate your partnership for the support of poor and deprived families and ask you to please pray for increased creative and sustainable development initiatives for the women of Pakistan.

*Name changed to protect identity

“It was wonderful to see these kids laughing, listening from the Word, playing, singing, worshipping and dancing in the playground,” one team member said.

Team members asked reflection questions in small groups to make sure each child understood the story and made some decisions about their future. During the programme, 92 children accepted the Lord as their personal Saviour.

For one six-year-old boy, the Bible story had personal application. “I often see how, if money falls down we at once lift it, but when a man falls down we try not to stretch our hands to lift him up," he said. "After hearing this story, I have taken this decision that I will help others when they are in need.”

Two other events attracted 850 kids altogether and helped children grow in their personal faith in their lives. Kids' Games will also be taking place from October 2016 to Feb 2017.

I learned about discipleship, missions, spiritual growth and sharing my faith through the training. I experienced how to lead a team, and found that leading my teammates was not an easy thing.

One day, I went to a shop where I introduced Christian books. The shopkeeper asked me, “Are you Christian?” When I said yes, he got angry and started yelling at me, saying, “Get out of here. I don’t want to fight with another countryman.”

I didn’t have any fear when he was treating me harshly because of God’s courage and calmness. I continued my book selling and sold books to many others that day.

I will never forget these experiences. God gave me power and courage to share the gospel on roads, in bazaars, hospitals and in graveyards. All credit goes to God Almighty. He gave me the chance to learn about His Word and to have practical experience to share the Good News.

*Name changed to protect identity.

“I was earning enough so all my needs were met, but I still felt something missing,” Fazeen said. Then when she failed her college entry test, she stood at a crossroads. “I started praying, ‘Lord, whatever you want from me I am ready to do.’”

Fazeen saw a TV advertisement for OM’s training. Her parents were hesitant. Fazeen called out to God again. “He showed me the way and I told my parents I am going to OM,” she shared.

Just a week after joining the training programme, she struggled with discipline and rules.

“However, slowly through the different [training] sessions and book studies many things touched my life. Here I learned how to face life challenges, how to serve others and how to live for Christ,” Fazeen explained. “Before learning these things, I was a proud girl but here I learned the real meaning of life. My life is totally changed and I am now leaving OM with a passion to serve God and God’s people. I wish to work among orphans and drug addicts.”

*Name changed to protect identity.

Farah* is a graduate of OM's six-month skills training course which teaches sewing. When she first started, Farah shared that her husband was the only breadwinner of the family. This was a big burden on his shoulders and every month new debt was added just to cover their basic household needs. This was stressful to both Farah and her husband. Often, they had fights, due to insufficient resources and working overtime.

Farah heard of OM's sewing centre and came to learn these skills because she wanted better living conditions, which would improve her family life. After four months of training, Farah was able to sew basic items. She first started to sew clothes for her children to wear on Eid, a local religious festival.

Her neighbours admired the clothes and soon she received orders from them too. Farah then received a big order for a wedding and with the help of her tutor at the sewing center she sewed the special wedding dress. This was a big achievement for her. She was able to sew a high-class wedding dress and also earned a handsome amount in return.

Farah's husband is also very pleased by the progress and they are living a better life than six months ago. Farah is committed to continue her sewing and working toward a better life for her family.

We deeply appreciate your partnership for the support of poor and deprived families and ask you to please pray for increased creative and sustainable development initiatives for the women of Pakistan.

*Name changed to protect identity.

Over a period of two years, a group has been established, of both nominal Christians and athletes from the majority-faith background. This group, along with their coaches, prays and exhibits good moral ethics during practices and competitions.

Waheed*, a coach, gave a book of 25 favourite stories of the Bible to a Christian runner named Marina* who is 17 years old. Marina didn’t regularly attend Sunday school in her childhood, so for her it was difficult to understand the Bible stories. Waheed encouraged her to bring the storybook to the stadium so he could answer her questions about the stories. Day by day, Marina learns from the storybook, and she receives a better understanding of Christ and has since accepted Christ as her saviour. 

One day, Waheed saw that another athlete, Naeema*, approached Marina and showed interest in the storybook. As Naeema left, Waheed approached Marina and inquired about the other athlete. Marina shared, “She wanted to get this storybook from me, but I told her this is the only copy I have so I cannot give it to her.” Waheed replied, “You can always give this storybook to others. I have in stock many more copies.” Marina then gave out her storybook to Naeema, so she can learn about God too.

Naeema and Marina have completed the study of this storybook, and both are now reading the Bible under Waheed’s supervision.

Please pray for Marina and Naeema to grow strong in their faith and for Waheed to continue impacting the lives of athletes alongside two other coaches.

*Name changed

Soon they developed a good connection, and Amir offered an SD card to Nasir, who was interested in information technology and audiovisual content. When Nasir asked what was on it, Amir explained that the card included the life story of Jesus, audio books of prophetic books and worship songs. 

“This card has a lot of important material,” Nasir remarked. “I will just copy this to my phone, as you might need it too.”

Amir replied, “I have another one for myself, so you can keep it.” At that, Nasir asked curiously, “I have a mobile shop. Customers often come to me and I have useful material to download to their mobile phones. If you permit me, can I duplicate this material?”

Amir’s eyes shone as he listened and replied, “Of course! All of this is given to me freely and you can distribute it free of cost too.” Amir praised God for this way of multiplying the distribution of the Good News about Jesus.

*Names changed to protect identities.

OM Pakistan was poised to give this assistance to families who lost loved ones or had a member injured during the 27 March attack in Lahore. On 9 April, OM Pakistan organised a ceremony to distribute financial aid and encourage the families affected by the bomb blast. Over 100 people joined, from 50 different families of mixed faith backgrounds.

OM distributed 50 cheques of US$500 to 50 affected families in this first phase of the relief efforts. OM team members, Christian leaders, and dignitaries of public and political leadership were present at the event. A Federal Minister joined as chief guest and encouraged unity among communities to fight terrorism. He also appreciated OM’s care and relief efforts for the families.

Spending time getting to know and encourage the affected families was one of the event’s highlights for the team.

Saleena's* husband died in the blast. She is 30 years old, has a 9-month old boy and is pregnant. She is very concerned for her children in their present situation. Though she works as a nurse, she is now under great financial pressure. Her in-laws are also turning away from her. An OM team member prayed with her and assured her that OM will do their best to support her in various ways. 

Mehween*, a critically injured young woman, recently passed away. Her father was in a state of shock, having witnessed one daughter killed at the park and now facing Mehween’s death after being in the ICU for 3 weeks, due to severe injuries and infection. Words of comfort and peace from our team were meaningless to him. In the presence of his local pastor, our team earnestly prayed to the Lord for the whole family. Financial support was given to the family to help sustain them and keep providing resources for the wellness of their third daughter, Nadia*.

Another family received food packages from OM. This was much needed because their concentration was diverted towards the recovery of their loved ones and that delayed their farming job.

Please pray for the quick recovery of the 30+ critically injured and peace for the families grieving their loved ones. OM’s team will continue trauma counselling and visitation to selected families for prayer, encouragement and financial help, where possible. Pray for wisdom as our teams provide care and counselling to the affected families. With your support, OM Pakistan can continue to be Christ’s hands and feet to the hurting. For more information on how you can get involved, write to info.pk@om.org.

*Names changed to protect identities.

One team visited a house and found an elderly woman who was ill. After the team prayed for her, she became very active and got up, sat down with them and hosted them by telling stories and caring for the team.

“I never ever thought how great would be the need in the provinces around,” expressed Amir*, a student.  “People are living without Christ, most of them have not even seen a believer in their whole lives. How could they even hear about Christ? My vision has enlarged in this outreach and I will be keep praying for and focusing on the least reached.”

*Name changed to protect identity.

One team visited a remote village because the team's host heard there were believers living in the area. After going from house to house, team members reached a small mud house, where an elderly man, Najeeb*, invited them in.

“Our whole family came to Christ ten years ago,” Najeeb told them. “We were rejected and faced discrimination from society for this. We remained steadfast in our faith, but the pastor stopped visiting us after two years because of fear. Now for the last eight years we were out of Christian fellowship and we thought no one would come to us.” 

Team members encouraged Najeeb and his whole family, worshipped together and gave them Christian literature in their local language. The team’s host then committed to visit Najeeb regularly.

“We thank you and praise God for this arrangement,” Najeeb expressed. “You reconnected us with the Lord!”

*Name changed.

During her first week with OM, Rehana had many conversations with Christian ladies while visiting homes in neighbourhoods. Children and teenagers came to the Bible clubs the team had organised. After the first week of training, when Rehana realized she would be involved in connecting with ladies among the majority community, she became so afraid that she couldn’t sleep. Tossing all night, she decided she was going to leave OM the next day. When morning came, she simply couldn’t make herself leave the team.

At the morning prayer session, Rehana was still feeling very fearful. Halfheartedly, she joined the team to walk towards the majority population area with a heavy bag of books on her shoulder. Every step became harder and harder for her. In her heart she was praying to escape from this situation. Her leader was encouraging and taught her different opening lines to start conversations with the women she would be meeting.

At last, they entered the narrow lanes of the big colony. The team leader was knocking on doors and introducing books very confidently to the ladies in their homes. When Rehana saw the leader’s approach, she gradually felt peace in her heart. Although not every woman opening the door welcomed them, she saw that no one was condemning them. The ladies coming out to open the doors had all sorts of excuses for not desiring the religious books, but Rehana was sensing that she didn’t have to be afraid.

After 30 minutes of knocking at different doors, the leader asked Rehana to lead and introduce the books they were offering. Rehana, started to do this with little fear and saw that she could be bold in offering the books to the ladies in their homes. Later, they were able to pray for many ladies, while standing at their doorsteps. God gave Rehana and the team opportunities that day to help local women pray in the name of ‘Isa’, the Healer.

At the end of the day, Rehana, shared in the evening prayer session with the whole team her struggles of joining this new venture. She asked for prayer that God would grant courage and wisdom to her so she would continue to share His love with other ladies from the majority faith community. Every year many women, such as Rehana, pass through OM's women's team and receive training to boldly share their faith with some of the 90 million women living in the country.

*Name changed.

To date, 231 people have been killed by the quake in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan. One OM team member shared that heavy showers and snowfall have hindered relief operations and made helicopter missions more challenging. The team has had to rely on local roads to transport relief items, which has caused delays in reaching the affected communities.

However, after surveying the needs and damage in these areas, OM Pakistan was able to provide two weeks worth of food and blankets for affected families, distributing 407 food packages and 240 blankets.

As the team distributed these items to groups of 40-50 people, they shared a short message on the Good Samaritan to explain the impact of genuine Christian love.

One earthquake survivor was very moved after hearing the story: “We are very happy that you have come to our village from a very far place to bring these things in our time of need. I am thankful to you on behalf of all of my family. I love this story and see that like the Samaritan you are a stranger to us, but you are bringing help when we desperately require it.”

Pray for all the families affected by the earthquake, that their needs would be met, both physically and spiritually.

A five-day retreat led by OM’s team created a safe haven for over 75 women from Pakistan’s four major provinces, who united for Bible training, fellowship and community. For many women this camp was the first they had every attended.

The teaching began with an explanation of God’s plan for salvation and new birth. The participants were then invited to accept Christ as Saviour. As a result, ten women made a decision to place their trust in Him.

“I am Catholic and never heard the Gospel message in such a clear way,” wrote one new believer, Samreen.* “I found Christ has given His life for my sins. I am changed and now have a passion to spread this news to others also.” 

Learning about the strong character and wisdom of Queen Esther in the Bible gave the women a vision for how God could use them to impact society.

“Being a female in this society, I had feelings that I am helpless and unworthy,” participant Nimra* said, “but through the teachings from the book of Esther I found that women can be powerful, impactful and change the world. I am really encouraged and thankful to God that He cares for me.“

Small group activities, relaxing times in nature, and meditation on God’s Word allowed the women to experience Christian community they may not have had.

Housewife Sumera* shared, “To me this is a golden time of my life [as] my routine is very tough at home. I am not able to spend quality time with the Lord. This time has refreshed me spiritually and the fellowship & fun time provided me much needed energy for my life.”

Pray that the teaching continues to bear fruit in the lives of the women and their families, so that they could become instruments of positive change in their own sphere of influence like Queen Esther.

*Names changed.

The 15 March was a bright Sunday. I was listening to the pastor’s message during the worship service at a small house church, when suddenly we heard two bangs. We couldn’t decipher what it was, and I thought it was an exploding power transformer.

After a few minutes, the choir leader’s mobile rang, and he moved out of the church to take the call. Moments later, we heard him screaming outside. He rushed into the worship place and shouted, “Christ Church has been bombed—bomb blast in Youhanabad.”

Two suicide bombers, one at Christ Church and one at St. John’s Catholic Church, had approached the church gates to attack Christians as they left after Sunday Mass. In both cases, the courage of individuals to confront and stop the suicide bombers saved thousands of lives.  

This news struck me like a hammer. Christ Church is my church. I was sent out into missions by this church, and my family attends there. I was troubled and asked the pastor to finish the service as soon as possible. I had to see my family. In the same area at another church, over 14 team members, including our regional leader and the executive leadership of OM Pakistan, were sharing about OM’s work and challenging about mission.

We prayed for God’s hand upon the situation as the service closed. I quickly left my wife and son at our house and rushed to Youhanabad, a Christian-majority suburb of Lahore. As I jogged to the main road the sound of sirens became louder. Youhanabad is two kilometres from my house. No rickshaw taxi driver would take me there, so I started running.

I entered the area to find people protesting. Women were screaming and beating themselves in mourning. Broken windowpanes, blood and shoes were scattered across the blast sites. Rescue workers had already moved the dead and taken the injured to nearby hospitals. I found out through phone calls that my family and team members were safe. I was relieved.

But my heart sank as I returned home. I found out that a mob of protesters had beaten to death two people they suspected of being associated with the attackers. Christians clashed with the police as women mourned publically in the streets. In other cities like Karachi and Peshawar, Christians also took to the streets in protests that lasted two days.

Tensions rise

That week, there were rumours of further attacks on Christians in Youhanabad, and families started to leave their homes. For the next four days, Youhanabad was deserted, as 80 per cent of the families had left. Police and rangers, with the help of the political administration, helped calm the situation by promoting inter-faith dialogue. Youhanabad was closed off for a week to prevent any further attacks.

Police started investigating the deaths and the destruction of public and private property due to protesters. Over 300 Christian youth were arrested. The families who returned to their homes after a week sent their youth outside of Youhanabad, for fear they would also be arrested.

Again the church leadership and the local administration gathered to find a solution for the arrest of the culprits, and most of the destruction, rioting and lynching was recorded by over 20 news channels.

As tensions continued, OM team members visited families affected by the blasts and prayed for restoration and encouragement. Some led short counselling sessions with the families of the two people who had tried to stop the suicide bombers.

Akash, 16, a security guard at St. John’s Catholic Church, and Mr. Zahid, a husband and father of three, both showed extraordinary courage and bravery to stop the bombers from entering the churches. Over 2,000 worshippers were sitting in both churches. If it had not been for their courage, many more would have been killed. In total, 20 people were killed and over 100 injured, including policemen and nearby Muslim shop keepers.

In response to the events, the OM office remained closed for a week. Though all OM staff were safe, one team member’s uncle was killed in the attacks, and another leader lost everything when his house was looted during the time Christian families left Youhanabad. Others, though physically safe, continue to process the trauma of the events.

OM responds to Youhanabad’s grief

Now over a month later, the events in Youhanabad have faded from the world’s view. But for the families most affected the wounds of loss are fresh. Some families lost a father or older brother, the main breadwinner in the family. Others lost a young sister or brother, the joy of their household.

Our OM team members are visiting families of those who were killed, and we have begun supporting several households, both Muslim and Christian. In the face of financial need, we want to provide opportunities to support children’s education and help with treatment for those injured.

The city of Youhanabad is now back to normal, at least by day. At night, women and elderly men guard the streets, crossings, roads and houses. They fear being arrested as suspects of the lynching and of destruction of private and public property. Fear stalks the streets in light of this threat.

Church leaders are encouraging believers to be steadfast in faith and cooperate with local authorities. The church is also working for the release of those who have been arrested but are innocent.

Will these events affect the work of OM in Pakistan?

“We are suffering, but we will not be stopped and will continue to bring the love of Christ and the Gospel to the millions who have still never heard of Jesus Christ,” the OM Pakistan leader answered. “Pray for us and the Church to be bold and courageous and not to give into fear.”

Please pray for the families who lost loved ones in the attacks, for physical assistance and emotional healing and hope after the trauma of the events. Pray for those injured and for OM Pakistan to have the manpower and financial resources to help effectively. And in the words of OM Pakistan, “pray for the Church to be bold and courageous and not to give into fear.”

One time, a man took a leaflet. He read it and re-read it, but it did not satisfy him. He wanted to know more about the God who wants a relationship with ordinary people. So he began to search for others who knew this God.

“Please, can you tell me more about this Christ person?” he asked anyone he met whom he thought might be able to answer his question. He received a variety of reactions from those sceptical that there was such a person. Certainly, his family couldn’t answer his questions, even though they were religious. But it did not put him off; he continued to search.

Then he met believers in Jesus. They had a personal relationship with God and seemed to know him the way the man hungered for. It excited him, and his questions poured out.

They began to meet regularly, and soon the man learnt a lot about Jesus and salvation. He read the Bible for himself and accepted Jesus as his personal saviour and friend. As his faith grew, he made a public step of faith by being baptised.

However, others in his village were concerned with his new faith. They went to his father and complained that his son had become a believer in Jesus. What was he, an imam, a religious leader, going to do about it?

“My son is adult and mature; he is accountable to God for his deeds, just as I am accountable to God for my deeds,” replied the father. “If he has become a follower of Jesus, he will have to give an answer to God why he did this. However, I can see he is not stealing things or not doing adultery; he is not doing any wrong thing to create problems for others. He knows what is going on, and his God knows it too.”

The father’s peaceable reply left the complainers speechless. Soon everyone in the village knew the man had become a follower of Jesus, but no one disturbed him, leaving him free to practise his faith and fellowship with a local OM team.  

As the man grew in faith and understanding, he told others about God, about Jesus and salvation.

At one house the team met Samina*, who had become a believer of Jesus recently. As they chatted, they learnt that she was not reading her Bible or meeting with other believers. The team encourage her to get to know Jesus more by reading God’s Word.

Samina was delighted when they gave her some literature and showed her Scripture passages that explained that she could rely on Jesus to be her Saviour in daily situations.

“I promise to read my Bible every day, and I will enjoy it if you can visit me again,” she said. The team said they would be pleased to pray with her and return again another time.

Release from sin

At another house, the team met a mother who shared her worries about her son, Sonny*, who used drugs and took the money she earned to pay for his habit. She was concerned that he came and went at all hours of the day and night, and she never knew where he was. 

As the team prayed for her, Sonny appeared in the doorway, so the team shared stories with him of how God had changed their lives. Sonny seemed touched and wanted to know more about God. 

He asked them, “Please would you pray for me, and ask your God to help release me from drugs!” The team did so and promised to pray for him and return again soon.

Peace returns

The team also visited a family they had visited a month earlier. The family had many problems, which they shared with the team members, asking them to pray for the family.

“We will, of course, do so, but only Jesus can solve your problems truly, so you need to believe and trust Him to do so,” they answered.

As the team approached the family’s home to visit them that day, the grandmother spotted them and called with tears in her eyes, "Praise God, my daughters and son are back! Thank you so much for praying for us.” 

Inviting them in, she told them how God had answered her prayers, and that the difficulties had gone. 

“God has helped in everything and blessed me in amazing ways,” she said. The team rejoiced with her that peace had returned to the household once more.

*Name changed

The hostile region has had its share of conflict over the years and does not welcome strangers, so the vision of organising an event for children, parents, schools, churches and local dignitaries brought a sense of excitement and anticipation. 

As 55 local pastors and 88 children’s teachers combined to help the 370 team members make the day a success, one said, “All this is like a miracle here!”

A schoolteacher said later, “These children will never forget this event. This is a life-changing experience. Thank you for organising this event.” 

The cheer from more than 1,500 parents and 1,225 children at the close of the day emphasised her words. The volume of noise confirmed national statistics that more than 50 per cent of Pakistan’s people are under 20 years of age.

At the end of the day, one of the pastors reflected, “This feels like the start of a new revival here. The children and young people are the leaders of tomorrow and could change the future of this area.”

As always, OM Pakistan partnered with the national Sunday School Ministries and Sports Coalition to hold the event, and will continue to do so in the coming months and years, making God’s love through sports accessible to children in Pakistan.

Team members began visiting Jalal at least four years ago, when his clinic was small and he had more time on his hands than he does today. He appreciated their encouragement and times of prayer together. 

Jalal had a vision for a larger clinic to help more people, and they prayed for that too. He was also excited about the ministry of OM in Pakistan and their desire to reach out to others with the good news of Jesus.

Two months ago, the team visited him to share about their plans for a Christmas outreach. Jalal was pleased to see them and to share his news of what God had been doing in his life.

“God has blessed me with my own property, and a bigger clinic!” he said, jubilantly. “I can now set in place the plans I had for offering a nursing and English-language course, and first aid training! So, more people will be trained, and more patients will be helped!” The team was greatly encouraged by the news.

Jalal then asked whether the team could come to his property and celebrate and give thanks to God for His goodness. The team was delighted and spent a joyful two hours in prayer and sharing the Word of God with Jalal and his staff. Jalal promised that if any of the team needed blood tests or X-rays, he would be happy to provide them, free of charge.

Fatima*, the clinic receptionist listened quietly to the conversations. She wondered how what she was hearing about Jesus was relevant to her. She had been very young when she was married to her husband, but three months after their wedding, he had left her and married someone else.

The experience had left her feeling very confused, hurt and unsure. Was there no comfort for her? Her religion had not given her as much support as she sensed Jalal had through Jesus.

A team member noticed her disquiet and approached her. Gently she explained Jesus’ love for mankind, and the way He had reached out to heal those who were hurting. Fatima listened and felt comforted in a way she had not before. After the team had prayed for her, she felt more peace in her heart.

When other women team members heard Fatima’s story, they resolved to pray regularly for her and see if they could visit her to bring comfort and encouragement. If she could give her burden to the God who cares, she might indeed find comfort and healing.

Please pray that Fatima, and others like her in Pakistan, would find comfort in Christ.

Figures released by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on 2 October 2014 quoted that 2.53 million people were affected by the floods; 107,000 houses were damaged; 2.4 million acres of cropland were ruined; and 527 relief camps are now operating in flood-devastated areas.

OM Pakistan joined the relief effort, particularly within communities where relationships already existed from previous disaster relief projects.

The team leader reported, “We visited affected areas, especially a Christian settlement near the bank of a river. Most of the houses had been waterlogged, and 25 families had lost their homes, as water swept them away. Men, women and children are forced to sleep in the open at night, facing the cold wind. Each morning, they sit and wait for relief teams to visit their area and supply food to them. It is heart-wrenching.”

In one village, 25 desperate Christian families received the team’s food package tokens to exchange for monthly staples. House to house surveys and visits to majority community houses resulted in a two-stage relief effort: firstly, supplying monthly food packages to 300 families, along with cattle fodder; secondly, providing emergency shelter material and non-food items, such as cooking utensils. As families gathered to receive the packages, the team leader gave thanks and prayed to God for His help and support.

One local man was in tears: “Two of my daughters were to be married soon, but their dowries were all washed away in the floods. This package is wonderful, but our needs are many.”

A mother carrying her disabled son explained, “We had made special shoes for him so he could walk. But, around midnight, when floodwaters overflowed the bank, I could only snatch him up and run as quickly as possible. There was no time to find his shoes. So now he cannot walk about.”

It took the team six hours to reach another area. Villagers warmly greeted them and showed them the damage to crops, houses and farm houses. Surviving men, women, children and cattle had found refuge in higher ground. A few had returned to their homes, but some were still living in temporary shelters. The team went from house to house, hearing stories of the disaster and offering to pray. No one refused prayer.

One farmer had been sleeping when the roof of his room collapsed in the middle of the night. He was rescued by fellow villagers after dawn but was still traumatised when the team met him. They prayed and tried to bring him God’s comfort.

As the team visit the same areas again and again, they distribute food packages that will last a month, which they prepare locally, and invite families on their survey list to collect the packages.

One local said, gratefully, “I am delighted in the Lord that He sent you to pour His blessings upon us. Flood water damaged our wheat stores and all the grain was water-logged. I thank God that He provided our daily bread through you.”

To date OM Pakistan has distributed 440 food packages at three locations.

Please pray for those without shelter as winter comes. Pray that God will continue to meet needs.

As the team shared the Word of God to those in church, and told of personal experiences of God in their lives, many were moved to make their own commitments of faith. Seminars on spiritual growth and healing encouraged churches to pray for and expect to experience healing; the impact of showing Christian films was noticeable as one man said: “I have always prayed for Christians in Pakistan, and for the faith of the nation, but now I want to pray for the salvation of all Pakistanis!”

The local pastor explained how important it was for people to understand that they needed a spiritual birth as well as a physical birth, and the place of Jesus in God’s plan for the world.  Over 100 people listened with great attention to his words, many saying afterwards that this was the first time they had heard this teaching explained to them so clearly.  15 made personal decisions to follow Jesus as a result.  One 75 year old woman said: “Today I have learnt from your team that prayer is very important to ask for the forgiveness of our sins, believe in Jesus and be made whole.”

Young Christian believers living in rural areas were not left out either, as they were urged not to give up, but to complete their studies, so that they would be better able to understand the Bible and be better equipped to answer questions asked by seekers of the Truth.

Afterwards, as the team were travelling from one town to another, they needed to stop to buy more fuel for their van.  As they were waiting at the pump, one team member spotted a beggar, sitting nearby. He had a harmonium which he was using to attract people. The team member asked if he could use his harmonium, and began to play.  The song was one that praised God, which visibly touched the beggar.  As he and the team member chatted afterwards, he was able to tell the story of Lazarus.  That, too, the beggar accepted, saying that it sounded as though God’s Son really could overcome miracles. The team member offered him some books, which he gladly took, saying: “Although I am unable to read, my son can, and will read them to me.”

The team praised God that He could reach down and touch people, no matter what their circumstances, whether in or out of church.  “If you are truly seeking Him, He will be found,” marvelled one team member.

One team visits families twice a week. Over the summer, team members have been extending their patch to eight different areas.  As they knocked on the door of one house, a nervous voice called out: “Who’s there?” 

The team gently explained they had come to offer to pray for any needs in the family.  A woman came to the door and invited them in.  As they sat and listened to her, she told them of her life.  She had three daughters and a son whom she was trying to raise, but that her husband often took drugs and beat her.  As she told her story, she cried: “My husband does not provide what we need; I don’t know how we can manage.  I feel so burdened, and there seems no answer to my situation.”

The team members felt for her, and quietly asked God for wisdom.  Then they began to share something of their experience of the One who cares for each person and can answer their needs.  One or two told personal testimonies of God’s help and intervention in their lives, and the difference it had made.  They asked her if they might pray for her and her husband, and she agreed.  As they left, the woman said her heart felt comforted.

A week later, as the team rounded the corner of the street, the woman was waiting at her door to greet them.  “Come in,” she said excitedly.  “I am so pleased to see you again. Since you prayed, my husband has not beaten me, and he has stopped taking drugs. He has been praying, and singing songs to God; he has even found a job and brought home his earnings to help us live. God is truly amazing!”  The team joined her in praising God for His goodness to her family.

Open to God’s help

The team has also been visiting another family regularly for the last two months, during which time they have got to know each other quite well.  They experienced many problems resulting from a lack of regular income: not one of the nine children, or parents, had a regular job.  This had built up a great burden of debt, and much tension; the mother had attempted to redeem the situation by working for rich families, and taking her youngest daughter to work with her, but it had made things worse.

Over time, the team had been able to share something of God’s heart, and power to help when He is given authority over our lives, and to pray for them.  Gradually, the family was able to see God enter their situation and change it.  One daughter found a job in Dubai, another two daughters obtained reliable jobs locally, and the parents had been able to get and hold down good jobs, too.  Through their willingness to open themselves up to God’s help, their financial circumstances had changed: God had answered their prayers!

“We are so thankful for your continued visits and love for us,” one family member said. “You prayed and cared.  We thank God for you young people, who committed your lives to the God who cares and changed our situation. God bless you!”

“It is seeing God at work in lives when people open their doors to us, and share their problems with us,” said one team member, simply.

One family the team visited recently called themselves believers, but did not know God’s Son. Over time they had consequently established practices that were contrary to His Word.

The patriarch of the household had read the entire Bible once. As a result of what he had read and understood, he had established the habit of praying for healing for others.

Gradually, as people were restored to health, it was believed that the man himself had the power to heal. When the man died, the family made their patriarch’s room like a tomb in the house. They invited others to worship him there too, and thereby give their problems to his grave to bear instead of offering them to the true God who heals.

The team explained that healing comes through belief in the power of Jesus, as shown in the Bible, and not through man. They also prayed for each member of the family. They prayed that those who were sick or in difficulty would offer their troubles to the One who saves, rather than one of His servants who was no longer alive to pray on their behalf.

That day, the team met another family who were worshipping graves of the dead. One of the young women in the family was aware that her relatives were not trusting God but idols, and she had prayed that God would bring Christians to help the family understand the truth. She was so encouraged when she opened the door to the team, to find that God had answered her prayers in 24 hours.

As the family sat around listening to the Word of God the team shared, one said, with tears in his eyes, “This is the first time for many years that we are all sitting together, listening to the Word of God. We need to repent of our worshipping on graves, confess our sin and believe in what the Bible says. Otherwise we will lead others to do wrong things!”

They praised God that understanding had come to that household that day.

Praise God for changing lives in Pakistan. Pray for the team as they minister His Word.

One team went shop to shop, sharing thoughts about God with the shopkeepers and giving them books to read, which were well received. The team was told that the locals had a good experience with Christians, finding them helpful and concerned about the future of the country. They enjoyed praying with them for their nation. In one village, a man said that the message the team was sharing was the first time he had ever heard about Jesus.

Sharing in the bazaars, the team bumped into a local pastor who had been serving there for two years. “I am very encouraged by what you are doing,” he said, “as no one has ever come to share as you have been doing here before. I do hope you will encourage other believers, especially those who are local. People need to hear what you have to say.”

The team also showed Christian films that it seemed people enjoyed and discussed afterwards. The villagers were keen to see what books the team had brought, and a number indicated making a personal decision to follow Jesus. The young people discussed the reasons that stop people from going to heaven, and individual difficulties they face.

The local church, greatly encouraged by the team’s enthusiasm, took part in the activities, joining in the door-to-door visits and book distribution, as well as holding a meeting to pray for healing, and reaching out to neighbours in a local park.

As the team visited people door to door, they met a woman who welcomed them into her home. She was delighted to see them, as she loved Jesus very much but found it difficult to stay strong in her faith, since her husband and brothers were ardent believers of the national faith. She was greatly encouraged by the fellowship and prayer support from the team and asked them to pray with her for her family. The team was pleased to share with her and to believe that God could change attitudes and hearts.

The team also met a number of individuals as they were sharing about God in a local church. At one meeting, a team member testified in God’s ability to heal. A sick woman sitting in the congregation found this helpful, as she had been seriously unwell for a long time and had almost given up hope of being healed. During the meeting she was encouraged to persevere and believe in God’s power.

One young man, Sohail*, was angry and difficult to control. His parents wondered how they could help him. When they heard that the team was praying for people, they asked if they could pray for Sohail. As the team prayed, and shared from the Bible, the boy’s heart was softened and he listened and responded, acknowledging his attitude and need to respect his parents and family members.

A man called Hanook* also attended one of the meetings the team held, and afterwards talked with team members. He admitted he was no longer behaving as if he wanted to be close to God and did not read the Bible regularly. As the men talked together, Hanook declared that he wanted to walk faithfully with God and would read his Bible every day to get to know Him better.

Rashid* also said that he was no longer walking closely with God, partly because of his difficulty in controlling his temper. He listened intently to the meeting’s message and said that he felt like the topic was directed at him. He recognised he needed to stop cursing and using abusive language, and instead try to follow God and live his life according to Him.

It was not just the adults who enjoyed and appreciated the meetings: When the team taught the local Sunday school, the children joined in the Bible stories and activities. Their Sunday school teacher said, “You have brought new ways of learning about Jesus and the Bible; no one has ever taught the children like this before!” She was delighted and hoped to continue what the team had started to motivate the children to follow God.

As the team returned home, each realised he or she had learnt much more than just how to encourage or pray. “It’s about being of service to others,” said one. “By working together as a team, we can accomplish so much more, even though it’s not always easy to work together.”

“I learnt much more than I expected,” said another. “I learnt that the unexpected can happen, and that you have to be ready to face every situation. But we can always be encouraged, because Jesus is always with us. He strengthens and empowers us, even though our enemy is not always easy to overcome.”

“I learnt that God’s Word has great value,” said a third. “Many people asked us about the authenticity of the Bible. I realised that many are told, falsely, that the Bible is a fake, but that’s not true. The Bible is as true today as it has always been. Seeing it in action, I believe it now more than ever.”

Praise God for encouraging believers in Pakistan through testimonies and the Word of God. Pray that more in Pakistan would come to know of His saving grace.

*Name changed

From a young age, Sahib loved reading. Even at school he was fond of studying books, particularly those on Islam and other religions, but he became unsure of what was true. He asked questions in an attempt to find out about the reality of the true God, and how to find lasting, real peace.

One of Sahib’s teachers had a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and saw that the boy was interested in discovering spiritual truths. He started spending time with Sahib, and they went for walks together, during which time they discussed many intriguing questions.  

Sahib’s teacher had a background in the national faith and advised Sahib through books he had read about Jesus. Sahib eagerly read the books and questioned his teacher in great detail, eager to understand.

Months later, Sahib spotted a newspaper advertisement for Bible courses and applied for more information. The courses brought him into contact with an OM team and opened the possibility of joining a jamat for Bible study. Upon completion of the course he received a copy of the Bible as a gift.

Sahib was thrilled to have his own Bible, but he was also afraid. He wanted to sit at home and read his Bible, but he was afraid that if his father saw what he was doing, he would be angry.

So, he wrapped his Bible in red paper so that nobody could see the title, and he started reading it secretly at home. The more he read, the more God opened his eyes and heart to understand the truth, and so Sahib came to accept Jesus as his personal friend and saviour and was baptised.

These days, Sahib has a job far from his home, but he is still seeking to learn more about how to grow in faith and spiritual truth. He is in regular contact with the local OM team. He recently shared that his father, missing his son’s physical presence in the home, has started the habit of going into his room as a means of feeling connected to him. One day, his father noticed Sahib’s collection of books and picked one up. Instead of being angry, Sahib’s father told him, “I am very happy that you are reading good books about moral ethics. I have even started reading your red book. It’s a very good book!”

Sahib knows that God is able to open his father’s eyes to the truth. His father’s own walk towards Jesus has begun.

*Name changed

A couple of days prior to the prayer walk, a number of believers were arrested for giving out literature, which concerned one local pastor in particular. He called the team leader, asking if the walk could be cancelled, or at least that literature would not be distributed, as it might be dangerous. The team, however, spent time praying and decided they would continue with their plans. 

Nevertheless, on the morning of the prayer walk, a local political party held a protest rally on the main road, which made it difficult for prayer supporters to arrive to the team house. Some were sufficiently put off and returned home, saying that they didn’t feel safe taking part in the prayer walk. However, in spite of these setbacks, 23 people joined the team at the house that morning.

After beginning with worship, prayer and meditation, groups went quietly onto the streets and bazaars, praying for the city and its people, and the nation. Groups prayed for the religious leaders and for those active in politics outside mosques and schools. Although the weather was hot, and the route was busy, those on the walk were encouraged.

“I am so thankful for the OM team and their desire to reach out to those who do not know God,” said one woman. “As I was praying, God told me to pray for Christian youth who might be far away from Him, and yet He still loves them.”

Another young woman said, “This was my first experience of praying on the streets – I have never before seen others praying on streets and bazaars, or even near mosques. It has encouraged me to pray for those who do not know Jesus.”

An older person said, “When I came for the prayer walk day I was worried because I had pain in my legs. I was thinking: ‘How will I go out and pray?’ But when I started praying, the pain in my legs went! I prayed for two hours and then I came back, but the pain didn’t. I no longer have any pain in my legs, praise God!”

The team rejoiced that the prayer went out to the nation, those joining them celebrated their experiences and all praised God that prayer changes situations and people.

One national-faith believer demanded, “Give me some literature!” Somewhat hesitantly, the team member offered a couple of books to him. The other man, noticing his caution, smiled: “It’s for my relatives. I want them to read this, too.” Relaxing, the team member returned his smile and offered him a Gospel package and Jesus DVD, which the man took, delightedly.

Other team members offered literature to those at a nearby railway station. A number of people accepted the literature, when a molvie (religious leader) stormed up. “What do you think you are doing? What exactly are you giving to these people? Who gave you authority, and where do you come from?” he shouted.

The team members quietly said, “This is the Word of God that I am distributing,” which incensed the molvie even more. He began to beat the team member, and a crowd started forming. As people gathered, the team slipped away in the commotion and praised God for their release, recognising God’s hand of protection, which also enabled them to share His word.

The team, however, had a very different experience when they visited a Hindu temple. The pandit (priest) approached and asked about their faith, and they soon got into a discussion about the difference between salvation in Hinduism and Christianity.

The pandit said, “If we do good deeds in this world, God will give us a place in paradise." The team shared that salvation through Jesus is not a matter of doing good, but accepting His sacrifice. The pandit seemed struck by their answer and readily accepted a Gospel and Jesus DVD. Another Hindu in the area had recently taken a personal step of faith in Jesus, so the team intends to return for regular conversations about faith with both him and the pandit.

Another OM Pakistan team visited a tribal area where there is a church, but the national-faith influence is strong. Consequently, sharing about God is not easy. Over 80 people gathered to worship together with the team, and afterwards a book table of Christian literature was set up. The team was surprised by the interest shown, and most of the books were sold.

In this area, churches are protected by the police, particularly during the Sunday services, so many policemen who were of the national faith were also present. They, too, were drawn to the book table and purchased Gospels and copies of the Jesus DVD in their own language. The team and local congregation were encouraged as they saw that God reaches people, even in tough areas and situations.

Please pray for the work of OM in Pakistan.

A number of individuals regularly attend. Recently five people came to know God personally and have joined the weekly study.

Hamu* came to personal faith in Jesus two years ago and has since been a committed participant of the local fellowship, so the team was not surprised when he asked, “Please, can I be baptised, as it says in the Bible?”

He and a number of others wanted to take this step of faith, so the team made preparations – and so did Hamu. His village is very far from the town where the celebrations were going to take place, so Hamu excitedly set off on his journey, two days in advance. 

The first night he stopped at a city mid-way to his destination. After rising early the next morning, he began the second leg of his journey. However, soon he became stuck in a terrible traffic jam. As he sat, stationary in the dense traffic, the team wondered where he was.

Then they heard from him: He had sat so long in traffic that he had run out of fuel!

“I am on the way! I am still coming, but I … have to go to the petrol station before I can get there!” he said.

The team picked up the other believers who were also going to be baptised that day and drove to the venue. It was getting late and they wondered what to do about Hamu. Should they continue without him?

Finally, Hamu arrived. “I have waited a long time for this opportunity, but God has finally given me one, so I do not want to miss out. I do not know whether I will ever get the opportunity again in my life, so I was determined to continue my journey today – and here I am!”

As the team celebrated with him, all praised God for the way He works in peoples’ lives, and prayed for God’s continued care for them and their families, bringing glory to Himself.

*Name changed

During a recent visit, the team saw that one child was on “look out” duty to stop the team vehicle as it rounded the corner. Shouting to his friends, he gathered them together to greet the OMers.

Naturally, the adults stopped what they were doing to watch, as the crowd of excited children chattered away, talking of what they thought might happen next. And it wasn’t just their Hindu friends – national-faith believers also formed a circle around the newcomers, hoping to hear stories and learn new songs.

Amongst the regular team members were a number of new team members, who found the children’s enthusiasm infectious.

The community is based on farming, so the team shared the Bible story of the seed and the sower. Everyone listened carefully; they understood the dilemma of the sower, as he cast his armful of precious seed into the air, hoping for a good yield. Even the children were silent, as they understood the importance of each seed producing a good crop for the sower. At the end of the story, the villagers were asked to think about where they would like to “grow”: What would be their “good soil” and what values did they hold? Discussion ensued as people pondered their answers and asked questions.

Then it was time to play with the children. “We’re going to play cricket!” they explained. The boys jumped up and grabbed the bat. As they started to place themselves in the right positions to play, the girls watched with great interest. One of the team noticed the way they followed the game intently.

“Would you like to play, too?” the team leader asked. Shyly, the girls said, “We have never tried.”

So the team taught them separately, in their own game and space. The team member was thrilled to extend this chance to the girls. Females, whatever their age, are not encouraged in this culture to play outdoor games. At the end of the day, each girl was given a bat and ball, and they were pleased. Even the women who had been watching the children, said, “We too could play with the girls, now that we have the equipment, especially when our men have gone to their jobs. That would be fun!”

The boys, too, each received a bat and ball. One small boy pronounced with evident pleasure, “Now we have our own new bat and ball, we will be able to play cricket together regularly.”

The team praises God for the opportunities to share simple but meaningful acts with the community, and long for the day when many families will also share their love for God.

In the south, the team ordered 2,500 pamphlets they intended to distribute in a particular city. They asked the youth of a local church to help and gave leaflets out throughout city.

One man they met said, “This is amazing! I was thinking, nobody seems to know about Pakistan Day here, but you are sharing God’s love to awaken the nation through this literature. I appreciate your loyalty to the mother land. May God bless Pakistan!”

The team in the north also distributed 2,000 leaflets in six cities. The leaflet talked about the issues Pakistan struggles with and the need to pray for the country and play a personal role in its restoration. It emphasised that, although now Pakistanis live in a free country, there is a lack of awareness of the freedom that Yasu Al-Masih (Jesus) offers from the powers of darkness, sin and death. Presenting the promises of Jesus for eternal life, the pamphlet encouraged readers to think seriously about whether they wanted real freedom.

The team invited young men from their discipleship groups to join in the distribution. For most of them, it was a new experience to walk on the streets and distribute literature about Jesus. They were excited, packed their bags, prayed and left the team office purposefully, to bring a sense of God’s presence to people. The young men who went on outreach for the first time rejoiced at experiencing God at work through them, building and deepening their faith.

In one city, another team, along with three members from the local church, began their distribution with great passion to reach those who had not heard the good news. Everyone was excited and gave out the tracts, going shop to shop in bazaars and in parks. Even some of the children took part excitedly, running to people and handing them out.

“People were happy to see these small boys’ love for Pakistan, and they received the tracts with love and smiles,” said the team leader.

The distribution team worked with enthusiasm, and within three hours all the tracts were handed out – yet people still wanted to do more! When there was no more literature to hand out, everyone sat down and prayed, giving thanks to God for His help and safekeeping. The team believes that the seeds spread in this city will help people to understand God’s love and want to respond to Him personally.

Once a week an OM team distributes free literature in various local areas. It is a good opportunity for the team to find people who are genuinely seeking God and His love, and the team loves to reach out in this way. Recently, as the team was giving out leaflets at the railway station, a man caught hold of a team member.

“You are using these books to distract us from our religion!” he shouted angrily. Attempting to snatch the literature, he slapped the team member, hard.

The team leader gently intervened, taking the books from his grasp and attempting to calm down the angry man.  The team member, although not seriously hurt, struggled with the man’s reaction, and quietly withdrew from the scene.  After the situation calmed down, the team leader found the team member who had been slapped and sat with him.

“It was really hard for me,” he said. “I had done nothing, and yet this man just slapped me! I know it was wrong to feel bitterness in my heart for him, but I did. Then, as we talked together, I saw that Jesus has given us a different pattern to live through His life, which changed my feelings. I can now go back to giving out literature with enthusiasm and want to finish my task handing out all my books. Praise God, for using us for His glory!”

Please pray that those who received the literature would come to know the Saviour.  

Currently, seven young men and nine young women are participating in the programme. The following testimonies highlight three of these young people who are passionate about learning more about serving God in their local communities.

Zia*, the chef

Participant Zia* comes from a city 30 km (18 miles) away from an area where one of OM’s church planting teams is based. His pastor, a life-long friend of OM Pakistan, recommended that Zia attend the next SoM training. Zia has seven brothers and sisters, and before attending SoM, he was working as a manager in a local restaurant as a chef. Zia is also an active member of his church’s youth group.

Once he heard about SoM, Zia’s dream to better learn the Word of God and share it with the world around him became more achievable. He and his younger sister joined SoM in October 2013.

“I was clearly short of confidence and knowledge about the Bible,” he admitted. “But I didn’t want to just learn the Bible but also discover ways and techniques of sharing it with my friends and my wider community, who rarely have access to literature in our own language, even via the Internet or local libraries.

“The first term I learnt how to work in Sunday school, which I found myself confidently and successfully using over Christmas in my local church, much to my surprise!” Zia laughed.

“Then, this term we are going out into the bazaars, and setting up book tables around the city, which will give me a real opportunity to face actual hardships and opposition, whilst under the umbrella of skilled leaders.

“The highlight of SoM has been seeing the discipline maintained over the whole programme as the months passed, keeping to the schedule of activities. I have also really enjoyed cooking delicious dishes for my fellow trainees and being greatly appreciated!” grinned Zia.

Hammed*, the footballer

Hammed comes from a city 200 km (124 miles) away. He is an able footballer, full of vigour and enthusiasm for life. He was brought up in strong national-faith culture, and therefore never had the sense that he might want to attend Sunday school. Before he accepted Jesus as his personal saviour in 2006 he had never entered a church.

“I was living a self-centred life, refusing to listen to anyone else’s opinion or advice, under the influence of a drug addiction, which I fuelled by selling drugs too,” he said. “In that condition, I accepted Jesus, although I did not really have a personal relationship with Him. Coming into the OM training centre, I felt like I was in a cage; the first 15 days were terrible. You can imagine: There were instructions, polices and regulations, but they were completely meaningless to me, even though I had no way to avoid them.

“Meanwhile, a leader started getting to know me and encouraged me to ask God to reveal His plans for my life. I started asking the question in my prayers, as he had suggested. One day, I had a vision and saw myself preaching to a group of drug addicts and receiving His wisdom to help come out of the situation. I felt Jesus’ presence around me and committed myself to do the same in my own real life.

“SoM has been an amazing experience: I was a chain smoker before. SoM made Bible reading my hobby, so I feel strongly that this training programme does not only provide biblical teaching, but really impacts the lives of trainees, building their capacity to do the same in their own situations. I can see a positive and transformative change in myself and other SoM participants. This is what actually the Church in Pakistan needs for the youth struggling with life, and trying to maintain their identity.”

Sara* the cricketer

Sara is a 21-year-old young woman, a good cricketer and passionate about reaching children through sport. She is also an orphan. “My brother runs a cricket coaching academy, so I was able to play cricket there and help the female players and children who came along. SoM offers International Sports Leadership Training Level 2, as well as Sunday school training, apologetics, outreaches, Bible surveys and much more. I so want to reach out to the children of national-faith believers who are training at my brother’s coaching academy, and SoM is equipping me to do just that. ”

These are the stories of just three young people benefitting from OM Pakistan’s SoM year of training. The sending churches look forward to receiving their enthusiastic participants back after the training to enrich their congregations.

*Name changed

Sixty-nine young people came together for a one-day seminar to learn about the second coming of Jesus. Many asked questions and took to heart the challenge to live godly lives. That evening, over 200 people gathered at an open-air event to hear the local church express its love for God.

A young lady who attended approached the team at the end of the evening to say that she had been touched by the Word of God and His love for the Church: “I would like to keep in contact with you because I want to know more about Jesus and to have a personal relationship with Him. Thank you so much for inviting me and making me so welcome."

The following day was Sunday, and the team preached in the local church about returning to their first love for God. At the end of the service, many came forward to commit or re-commit their lives to God. The pastor admitted, “I was very encouraged to hear your message; not only the congregation, but I, too, as the pastor of the church, need this teaching. God has spoken clearly to me with this message from His Word.” The team was touched by the pastor’s openness and humility.

Later that evening, the team held another open-air programme in a nearby village, which had been prepared by the local priest. One older couple asked the team afterwards if they would come to their house the following day.

“I did not know this programme had been arranged for our community, but when I came back from work and sat resting at home I heard the voices from the speakers and thought I would come to listen,” the couple said. “The message was beautiful and one we and our whole family need to hear again to understand and apply in our lives. I am so sorry we came so late tonight; please come and visit my house tomorrow.” The team gladly agreed.

Over the following few days the team held various events in local churches or in the open, encouraging people to discover the truth held in the Word of God and visiting people afterwards in Their homes to pray and talk. As the team became known in the area, more people participated and asked for prayer. Even in the middle of the night the team visited people and prayed for the sick. Many expressed gratefulness for the message of repentance.

At the local school, the principal asked the team to teach the children about the Bible. The youth, too, enjoyed the team’s teaching and were encouraged when a youth counselling club was established in one location to reduce and prevent drug abuse through applying God’s Word and musical worship.

“This is a real revival,” said the local pastor. “I believe many things will change in our community as a result of your visit. It is a message we need to hear and step out in.”

Please pray that communities in Pakistan will be changed by the application of God’s Word.

One Saturday the team went to the local hospital to see if they could encourage the women patients. When they arrived, they saw a woman lying on the floor, in a wretched state. She was breathing heavily, flecks of blood forming around her month, but she was alone with no one to care for her.

“What happened?” the team asked her. As she shared her story, and that her son was making arrangements to have her admitted, the team was filled with compassion. They told her about the woman who was sick for 12 years until Jesus healed her, and reassured her that He is the true source of healing, and she could ask Him for healing if she approached Him.

When her son returned, he said he did not have enough money to admit his mother. As the team did not have any money either, they simply prayed with the mother and son, trusting that God would hear and answer their need.

Praying with the village

Two from the women’s team stopped to have tea with a believer and then visited all the houses in a village. They met eight Christian families and a number from the majority faith; however, all families asked the team to pray for them. 

Afterwards, as they rested at the believer’s house, 15 more people came to the door, asking for prayer. As they shared the story of Adam and Eve, and how sinful things separate us from God, the people were amazed: “This message is new for us!” they said.

Dinner was served to the team afterwards, as they continued to share Bible stories with the other women present. Then they hoped to go to sleep, but another request came for them to visit and pray for another family. Willingly, they set out again across the village; it was after 23:00, and the roads were deserted.

Half an hour later, they reached their destination and prayed for the young man. Pronouncing that “God has given us His son, and we are now free from every type of illness,” they thanked the family and left.

The following day, the team returned to the young man’s house. He eagerly asked them: “Does the Holy Spirit live inside you? Can you see the evil spirit? Because I can see evil spirits. When I pray, seven fairies come to me!” 

The team continued to teach and show him biblical truths, and to visit him over the course of a few days. At the end of this time, the young man began to pray by himself, seeking God. 

The team rejoiced and asked if others would like to learn more about prayer. Twenty four villagers joined them. One expressed his desire to experience prayer too, and the team explained that he needed to admit his need of Jesus and take a step of faith. He found their explanation thought-provoking.

Praise God for changing hearts in Pakistan. Pray that many more would be touched through the work of the OM team.

Nineteen years ago, a young man received Christian literature in a bazaar. He took it home and read it again and again. There was something about it that gripped him and raised questions in his mind. He contacted a Christian fellowship to get some answers and wrestled with what he heard.

As he discovered more about the God who loved him and provided a rescue plan, he decided he wanted to know this God personally, and he took the step of faith.

He joined a local group of believers in Jesus, but after a matter of months, the group disbanded. He was left to struggle on by himself, and his former life demands reclaimed him.

Recently, an OM Pakistan team began a local fellowship group in his area, and he was thrilled: “After many years, God has again provided me with the chance of being part of a fellowship of believers so I can grow in Him!”

The fellowship group has already attracted four new regular members, but the team hopes to contact the former members of the group to see how they are doing.

In January, the team met one former participant, Bakul*, the only Hindu-background member from the original group. Bakul expressed excitement and thankfulness that God had given him the opportunity to be part of a believer’s fellowship again, as he was the only member of his family to believe in Jesus.

“All of my family are Hindus, but everyone knows that I believe in Jesus. When other believing friends from the majority community used to come and worship at my home, no one raised any objections. But that was a long time ago now.

“After the group stopped meeting all those years ago, I gradually got more involved in other things, and my routine changed. I stopped growing spiritually, too. I even lost my Bible and other Christian literature when we were flooded out,” he said, sadly.

Then, eyes brightening, he asked if the team could give him another Bible, and any other literature that would help him to regain his spiritual zest for life and restore his soul. He was evidently thrilled that God had not forgotten him, but was giving him another opportunity to be part of a fellowship of believers that would pray and support each other, and be a witness for His goodness in the local community.

* Name changed

During the camp, participants looked at the names of God in a 90-minute class every day to discover who He is and what people understand about Him. 

In addition, participants took part in an hour of Tae Kwando every day, learning the basic techniques of self-defence, practicing them and competing. There was a games evening and competition on the final night.

On the third day of the programme, in desperation a young boy asked for help and prayer. “My dad is in great difficulty; he can’t walk! He fell down and is in a lot of pain. Please, someone, come with me!”

Two OM team members went with him. The boy’s father was unable to walk and complained of great pain. The team members explained the gospel, and that God has a purpose for all things. Then they called him to repent and trust in God, and they prayed for the man to respond in obedience to His Word in faith.

“Calling upon the mighty name of Jesus, we said to the man: ‘In the name of Jesus, stand up and walk’, and he stood up and walked for the glory of God. Halleluiah!” said the team leader, with joy. “The following day, the man was so grateful to God he prepared dinner for the entire team!”

On the last day of the programme, 20 children indicated that they gave their lives to Jesus as Lord and Saviour. The team prayed for them and made sure they met the pastor and individual church members who could help them grow as believers.

After the programme was over, the pastor asked for help from the OM team to continue with the Tae Quando and Bible study classes every week.

“It has been a great experience to invest time in teaching the Word of God and seeing the interest and participation of the children writing in their books, giving testimonies and explaining their learning!” said one teacher.

“We all learnt many new things of God’s character,” said an adult participant.

The pastor’s wife commented, “We have not this kind of programme in our churches before; neither have we been able to offer this programme to the community as a whole. Thank you, brothers, for the vision and commitment you have to do this work, helping our ministry in our communities and churches. God bless you, and your ministry, and please, keep on doing such programmes. I have learnt that it is always possible to start in a new way to do what we have been doing over a long time, and that new ways and things can become very successful when you do them for the glory of God!”

The team was pleased that everything ran peacefully from beginning to end – in spite of the possibility of local opposition – and that so many attended and enjoyed the experience. 

After taking advice from local church leaders, the team invited 130 families to attend, and 300 people turned up!

“We began with praise and worship,” said a team member. “It was very moving to see the people praising and praying for personal, family and church needs all together. Even the children took part – there was a children’s drama, explaining how God sees the importance of caring for the needs of others.”

The national director of OM Pakistan spoke, encouraging the community to be strengthened in their Christian faith and not fearful in spite of circumstances, as suffering is part of the believer’s life. He reminded everyone that God is always with His people during difficult times.

Those who attended were comforted by God’s promises in His Word. “Even though we suffer in Pakistan, we should be faithful to our country and try to demonstrate the message of salvation to many people around us as we share God's love,” said one.

A woman who attended the celebration was in tears afterwards: “I have been reminded through God’s Word that I don’t need to be afraid about anything, because my God is always with me, even when I go through the valley of death.”

Later in the evening the team gave out useful gifts to the families, including a towel, toothbrushes, soap, toothpaste and chocolate.

As the church leaders helped cut the Christmas cake, one man said, “I want to appreciate OM Pakistan for thinking about us and organising such a beautiful dinner for us. We don’t have the words to say thank you. But we are so grateful. Your kindness really touches and encourages us.”

This was just one evening amongst many other evenings, days, weeks and months that are demanding and stressful for this community as they come to terms with the events of last September, and the permanent changes it has made to many families. OM Pakistan counts it a privilege to serve them as it can.

As George met with leaders and spoke at various events, he interacted with the wider Christian community in Pakistan.

He began by sharing his story to 1,000 children at a kids’ games sports festival organised by OM. As he explained how God’s spirit changed his life when still a young boy through the prayers of a woman in his home church, the gathering listened with rapt attention.

Not even a power cut broke the focus of his audience. As the microphone failed to project George’s voice, he got down amongst his young attendees and spoke to them directly, irrespective of age.

Later, over 1,000 leaders from around Pakistan met George at a formal dinner to hear what God was doing around the world. OM Pakistan set up a book table, offering a special promotion of George’s books in Urdu.

George welcomed as many people as he could personally, giving each a set of his books as a gift. He shared an inspirational message with stories of encouragement from across the globe, along with the need to pray for a deep work of God’s spirit in the country.

On another occasion during his visit, George preached at a large church before a one-day conference. The hall was packed with people eager to hear his message, greatly inspired by his call to prayer and outreach, and stories of God at work in other nations. After, George prayed for many individually. Many were touched by his visit.

One participant said: “Often influential leaders see you after the meeting when they are getting down [from] the platform. George met me at the bookstall outside the meeting hall before the service started. He greeted me and gave me a welcoming hug. I was pleasantly shocked. I found him such a welcoming and humble person. I was deeply inspired by this attitude.”

Another commented: “George Verwer publicly told his weak points. He presented himself as he is. He sounded real and genuine. There was no trace of arrogance in him and he strongly emphasised on prayer. I found this inspiring.”

A participant was particularly inspired by George’s encouragement to forgive: “He said in his talk that he never went to bed without forgiving others. I am working on this.”

“His passion for mission and simplicity in living inspired me a lot,” said another man who was particularly struck by how George was so accessible. “He travelled by Metro bus – the public bus service – and mixed with ordinary people. What an example of people care and love!”

Recently, OM Pakistan completed an extension to the training base, including a training and literature section to further aid and equip the growing literature ministry, and enabling ongoing training of young men and women for God’s service in Pakistan.

The building extension has been named “The Mike Wakely Training and Literature Block” in honour of Mike and Kerstin Wakely, who have given much in the service of OM Pakistan. All were delighted that they could be present at the inauguration ceremony, when George officially opened the new addition.

As OM Pakistan thanks God for providing the finances to construct the new block, please continue to pray with them for all project requirements to be met. In praising God for enabling George to visit, facilitating many to be inspired by his teaching, and for a peaceful, trouble-free atmosphere, please continue to pray for the great nation of Pakistan.

The course, which hosted 17 young people last year, aims to encourage participants to become people of prayer, the Word and service, and understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, what Scripture says on various topics, and how to work with the local church. 

By working alongside OM staff members, participants gain experience in church work, street outreach, book tables, children’s ministry and sports activities. Last year, the SOM group met some from the gypsy community, visited people in hospital and chatted to local people in nearby parks.

“We came with the expectation that there would be an easy life with classroom lectures, three nice meals to enjoy, and lots of free time for fun,” the participants said. “However, our experience of the training has been different. It is an intense course with lots of opportunities to learn and serve.”

This year, 20 participants began the programme in October with an introduction to OM and an outline of discipleship. They are also learning to help those who are illiterate to read the Bible.

Recently, the team took part in international sports and leadership training (ISLT) to learn how sports can be used to illustrate restoration with God. The team also learnt about team building, conflict resolution, leadership and decision making.

A SOM participant commented, “My happiness had no limit when I came to know that I was selected for ISLT. I have learnt how I can overcome difficulties through this training. Now I can motivate others to teach the gospel through sports.”

Another team member admitted, “I learnt about team building through this training. I was the leader of my team and learnt through my mistakes. Once we had to get to the church ground, so I booked a rickshaw, but we were late in arriving. My mistake cost me: I had to pay 250 Pakistani Rupees (about $2.50 US dollars) from my own pocket! I also learnt that we must follow the instructions of our leader. The training has given me opportunities to spend time with God alone, which has really blessed me.”

One young man said, “This training made me to realise the importance of a team. I cannot work alone; I need others to accomplish different task of life. I’m not perfect. I have weaknesses, so I need to be patient when other people cannot perform perfectly.”

A perhaps unexpected activity in which each of this year’s students had to participate was Cross Today, as one student explains: “I got up 3:00 a.m. Our leader had set a point on a mountain where we had to get to. We had to lift up our individual crosses and walk on stone to reach this point. It was very difficult. When I reached the set point I felt the love of Jesus for us. It was a great experience to feel what Jesus felt to pay the price on the cross for our sins.”

In addition to the physical and practical biblical teaching, SOM participants greatly appreciate the English and computer classes.

“It was difficult for me to say even a single sentence in English. This class released my fears and gave confidence to improve my language skills. Now English is no more a nightmare. I can communicate my point with others without any fear,” said one of last year’s SOM graduates.

Although it is still early in the SOM 2013-14 calendar year, the young participants clearly relish the prospect of understanding God’s plan for their year, and how He will prepare them for their futures.

In one area, three Bible studies run consecutively, and those attending greatly enjoy the experience. One young man felt unwell, but did not want to miss out. A team member suggested he go home, and the team member would meet up with him later and tell him what had happened. “Oh no!” he replied. “It is almost finished, and I am keen to stay!”

Another class comprises mostly working people: a doctor, a nurse, a teacher and a social worker, all of whom are very busy and yet believe they must prioritise their time to benefit from the classes. They leave work promptly to ensure they arrive on time and diligently study, so that they can bring what they learn to their work places to make a difference.

“I don’t want to miss any of my classes,” says a regular attendee of another class, who is a teacher, “so even though my husband is going to the city for few days and suggested I go to my parents’ home during that time, I called my mama instead and stayed home, so that I can attend my classes.”

In another area, the team started a discipleship course in a church last month, where 21 students currently gather. The pastor was delighted by their diligence: “It is a great privilege for our church that they will learn about discipleship,” he said enthusiastically.

In a different city, the team has launched small group training with around 30 participants, after praying and waiting on God for several weeks. Men and women of different ages have joined to experience teaching, training and fellowship. 

One woman said, “This way, we are going to be able to give the reason of our faith to our neighbours.”

The trainer pronounced eagerly, “We are going to learn the easy way to share the good news and bring the people from darkness to light. Brothers and sisters, it doesn’t matter if you have low education, God can use you as you are!”

Such determination to take the Bible and what it says seriously encourages every believer.

The woman said, “I feel very sick and feel discouraged, for I have many problems, and nobody understands or wants to know.”

The team member replied, “I understand what you mean, but God knows and He cares about you.”

Then she read her a few verses from the Bible, which talked about God’s love, His healing power and His perfect will.

“Would you pray for me, and for my family?” asked the woman. So the team did, and the woman thanked them, saying it had brought her peace in her heart. Then she asked the team if they would like to come to her house for tea. All were encouraged by what had happened.

On another occasion, when the women’s team was in a local park, they met a woman who was wealthy, but it had brought her neither peace nor personal happiness. She said, “Life is empty, meaningless; I do not know what to do.”

The team told her about Jesus and explained how she could ask Him to help through calling on His powerful name. She was encouraged and said, “I will pray in the name of Jesus. Please write down His name for me, so I can pray every day!”

Later that day, the team began chatting to a group of young girls and were soon discussing God, faith and confidence. The girls, who were from a Hindu background, asked, “Is your God alive? Is He near to you? Does He care about you?”

The team referred to specific verses in the Bible that talk about God as Creator. They said, “God is our Creator, the Almighty, who came to us in the person of Jesus to save us. He always listens to us in our time of need. Yes, our God is alive and He cares for us!”

The young girls were astonished: “We want to know more about your God. Will you come back to this area again?”

The team replied that they would be back the following week, and so they arranged to meet up and answer more of the girls’ questions.

As the team went home, they marvelled at God’s timing in bringing them together to do His work. The team prays that the people they met would come to know God personally and find in Him peace, forgiveness and salvation.

A small team visited the area to assess how best to help the community practically and began a series of hospital visits, bringing fruit, listening to the tragic stories of lives damaged by the bombing and praying for individuals.

As the news went out globally of OM Pakistan’s support plan, a number of OM fields pledged financial help, enabling those in the area to begin offering practical help in meeting hospital bills and paying school fees for children. Those who had been orphaned through the attacks were particularly at risk, and in need of help to survive. Whole families had been destroyed—in one family, nine family members died. Hospitals were inadequately prepared to cope with such tragedy.

“We are visiting the people in the hospital every day,” said a team member. “We are praying with them, for them and seeking how we may help them. Some need serious surgery to remove the nuts and bolts that the bombs contained for maximum damage. One young girl is paralysed because bomb materials entered her body and damaged her spine. Others are still waiting to have internal objects removed.”

The team is also visiting those at home who have lost loved ones, as well as those who have been discharged from the hospital.

“One young lad of 15, who lost his father, mother and only sister in the blast, is now living with his grandfather,” reports the team member. “We have been able to pay his entire school fees for this academic year and hope to support him further financially.”

They have been able to help another family, where the mother was badly burnt, through financial support to enable her to get care at a private hospital. Her only son was also injured during the blast and was admitted into hospital as well; however, as he is mentally handicapped he may need additional care.

“One father is anxiously awaiting further news of his two young daughters who were badly bomb damaged and have been transported to another city,” said the team member. “As one of the poorer members of his community, he feels his lack of influence in being able to obtain much needed care for his precious girls.”

Children have lost their parents and need support in their studies. Many still need medical treatment.

“We are looking at each on a case-by-case basis and seek to help in any way we can, including trauma counselling training if possible,” reported the team member. “A number of students in a Christian school could benefit from our help, too.”

Other organisations, both Christian and others, are helping the injured and needy, and the government has promised support to local orphans and relatives who have lost family members.

As the team continues to reach out, please pray for the situation in the area, where the atmosphere is tense and there are increasing threats of suicide attacks, especially around this time of Eid, a religious festival. Please pray for the safety of the team as they travel.

In a national newspaper*, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the bombings. The Christian community was justly fearful of further reprisals, as the initial tally of 81 dead and 150 wounded rose, and protests resounded against the violence in many major cities.

OM Pakistan’s response was first to pray for the safety and peace of the city. A small team then visited the area to discover what practical help it could offer to Christian families in particular, by standing in support of fellow believers. After deliberation, they decided that a number of specific steps could be taken to support the community.

• Those injured in the blasts could receive help with medical costs, and those who had not received adequate medical care could also be helped with hospital bills.
• Children with no surviving parents could be helped financially to receive an education, and hope for their future.
• Families who lost their principle wage earner could be given support to sustain them as they find a new means of income.
• Those traumatised by the events of the attacks could be offered trauma counselling to process their experience and be helped towards a more peaceful resolution, through providing experienced international specialists to train local carers appropriately.

Atmosphere of fear

An initial appeal went out to OM offices around the world, asking for financial support for the team in Pakistan, to which promises of help quickly came from Canada, offices in Europe and Australia. Further funds are still needed to help those who need it most.

On Friday, 27 September 2013, OM Pakistan visited some of those who had been injured in the bombing attack and were being treated in hospital. Some were discharged, as others still waited to receive medical care. The OM team distributed packages of fruit and prayed with those who welcomed prayer support.

Two days later, as the team attended a local church, a nearby bomb exploded, killing a further 42 people and injuring many more. The atmosphere of fear and uncertainty rose higher in the Christian community and throughout the city.

Unity in the body of Christ

One young girl, age four, was in church with her parents when the first bomb detonated. Her father was killed and she was badly burned and suffered a fractured leg. As the family lived in the house that came with her father’s job, they now fear they will have to vacate, and they have no idea where they will live or how they will meet their bills.

Another young woman, 16, was left with six siblings to care for when her parents were killed in the blast. Still at school studying, she has no means to care financially for her brothers and sisters, or to pay her school bills. Their uncle, official guardian, is retired and cannot help them financially.

One young man of 14 lost his father, mother and sister all at once. He is determined to fulfil his parents’ dream for him of becoming a college lecturer, but living with his elderly grandfather, he is uncertain how best to do so.

His grandfather said to the OM team, “I was so discouraged and upset after the incident but now feeling comfortable to see you and other believing people who are coming to us and praying for us and sharing the encouraging words from the Bible and helping us. It is wonderful to see unity in the body of Christ.”

These are but small illustrations of the many affected by these attacks, for whom trauma is one part of lives changed irrevocably by sudden inescapable events.

Please pray for those in Pakistan affected by the bombings. Pray, too, for the team members as they seek to support individuals and families. Pray for the city, as it mourns its dead and the absence of a sense of peace and security. Pray for help from the international community. Pray for those who have used violence for their own ends. Pray for long-term peace in Pakistan.

For information on getting involved in this relief effort, contact: communications.casr@om.org.

*Source: South Asian News Agency