My last visit to Pakistan was in 2015. Seven years later I have returned. There have been numerous noteworthy experiences but one that has stood out was my visit to PMS (Pakistan Mission Society). This organization is on the move with many touchpoints. Most intriguing was the morning we spent with PMS on Saturday, March 26. It was here that I learned of the incredible work of this organization in lifting up the role of women in this country.
Read MoreThough we’re not surprised by warm welcomes these days, our welcome to the first village, Mananwala, was especially memorable. A sizeable group of people met us as we exited the vehicle outside the village with drums, clarinet, and lots of happy folks. We processed with the music and villagers all the way into the village, where we stopped at their partially completed church building (walls, but no roof or floor).
Read MoreOne of the things our youth at South Highland say consistently every summer after they have been to the Montreat youth conference and try to describe it to the congregation is, “you just have to be there to understand fully.” That is certainly true of the crown jewel of Pakistan, Forman Christian College and University.
Read MoreJesus held up a woman as a model of faith to his disciples. Not only was she a woman, but she was a Canaanite woman, a “Gentile dog” as Jesus’ Jewish disciples thought of her. She was desperate for help for her daughter and took the risk to persistently shout through the crowd for Jesus’ attention and mercy to deliver her from the evil which controlled her family. Jesus did not send this persistent, noisy mother away, as his disciples told him to do, but engaged her in dialogue, listened to her, did as she asked (healing for her daughter), and publicly praised her in front of his disciples, saying, “Woman, great is your faith!”
Read MoreGod has determined our days. So, we won’t live in fear about today. When Veda Javeed (Director, Presbyterian Education Board) spoke these words to us, we couldn’t quite understand what she meant. Today in meeting the young teams leading Pakistan Bible Correspondence School (PBCS) and Pakistan Christian Recording Ministry (PCRM), our comprehension deepened.
Read MoreThe Outreach Foundation team witnessed this during our day with the Presbyterian Education Board (PEB), Veda Gill and her incredible staff. Veda is remarkable. She is a faithful, bold follower of Christ. God placed a vision and mission on her heart many years ago and there is no force in this world that will turn her from her path. Veda leads PEB, a Christian non-profit organization serving the poorest of the poor for more than 150 years providing quality education to both Christians and Muslims with a special focus on building Christ-like character.
Read MoreWe are having a wonderful reunion with friends after a too long hiatus for The Outreach Foundation to return to Pakistan. Our last visit was before 2016 when visas were denied, followed by COVID.
The Outreach Foundation team in Pakistan is a stellar group of seasoned intercultural veterans, whether it be in Pakistan or other parts of Asia. Tom Boone (Associate Director for Mission) leads the team and is accompanied by trustees Nancy Fox, Ed Hurley, and Berry and Elizabeth Long. We’re pleased to be joined by Rev. Walter Thompson and Karen Winkler from First Presbyterian in Midland, TX, on their first trip with The Outreach Foundation though they have much experience in Asia. Also, Mark Mueller (Executive Director) is here despite having already spent 11 days in Europe!
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