Pakistan Christian Recording Ministries - May 2020 Update
Greetings in the most powerful and almighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Even though we are facing a pandemic situation, COVID-19 is much more than a health crisis. This virus is stressing every one of the countries in the world, with the potential to create shocking social, economic and political crises that can leave deep wounds in the world. But in every situation I believe that God’s Word is amazingly relevant and is the source of hope, encouragement, and truth. We can turn to it in the midst of this pandemic and any hardship we will ever face.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3
Our office has been closed since March 25 due to the lockdown in the country, but our studio staff comes in two to three days per week to meet the schedule for the production of our daily radio programs. Despite the restrictions, we have been very busy.
New Radio Programs and Audio Recording
We are thankful to the Lord for his divine help in adding two new programs to the schedule of our regular audio programs for radio and social media.
· Fresh Flowers (Taza Galono) is a 15-minute weekly Pashtu language program that airs every Friday at 7:15 am.
· Pearls of Wisdom (Hikmet day Mori) is a 15-minute weekly Saraiki language program that airs every Monday at 7:00 am.
Audio Recording of Corona Virus and Christ
Last month we completed an audio recording of the book Corona Virus and Christ written by John Piper. The audiobook has now been downloaded on the internet. Piper states, "This is a time when the fragile form of this world is felt. The seemingly solid foundations are shaking. The question we should be asking is, ‘Do we have a Rock under our feet? A Rock that cannot be shaken—ever?’”
Videography Project in Process
The videography project includes making videos of short stories, songs, and discussion programs on different topics. Recently we did an awareness discussion program on the topic, “Pandemic (Coronavirus), the Biblical and Medical Points of View.” Anita Bashir hosted the program. Dr. Aatar Yaqoob and Pastor Azeem Samson were invited to give their thoughts. This program airs on social media (Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp).
Staff Prayer Day
We had our first quarterly staff prayer day in January. This was an exciting time held right after the office re-opened following the Christmas holidays.
Fundraising Seminar/Workshop
We held a fundraising seminar/workshop on January 20. The workshop provided useful suggestions and methods for developing fundraising strategies for ministry development. This seminar/workshop was very informative and helpful for the staff.
Rang-e-Bahar Festival
PCRM had a wonderful Christmas festival at the end of 2019. This was the biggest Christian literary event in Pakistan. Poets, singers, and musicians from all over the country came to perform. Hundreds of people enjoyed the festival and visited Christian bookstalls, art galleries, exhibitions, and music stalls. The festival was held in the Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan auditorium of the Arts Council Faisalabad. After that very successful event, we held another Rang-e-Bahar festival on March 7.
Finances
In February our accounts were audited by an accountant with an authorized audit company, “Arshad and Co.” They made some suggestions on how to improve our accounting system with new software. We have a problem with money transfers from abroad. The banks in Pakistan are not making transactions with foreign currency due to a new system of verification for NGOs and ministry accounts through the “Economic Affair Division (EAD).” This is a complex process that will take time to implement.
Please pray for our ongoing projects and newly started audio programs in regional languages, our staff, and upcoming video recordings. Please pray for the banking challenges, too.
We are very grateful for the support that comes to us from our Outreach Foundation supporters. Thank you and God bless you for helping us share God’s Word.
Zahoor Ul Haq, Director PCRM
Read more about Pakistan Christian Recording Ministries HERE.
THE NEED
You may make a gift to Pakistan Christian Recording Ministries HERE or by sending a check to our office.
PCRM 2019 Christmas Festival