Presbyterian Education Board and Pakistan Christian Recording Ministries Update
Pakistan
The church in Pakistan holds a precious place in the heart of The Outreach Foundation. Out of all the countries where we show up, our Christian friends experience the greatest amount of persecution in Pakistan. Yet, they remain resilient and courageous and the witness of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior sings loudly. We are privileged to stand with them!
As we recently enjoyed Advent and Christmas traditions here, The Outreach Foundation is pleased to bring word from two of our dear friends in Pakistan, the Presbyterian Education Board and Pakistan Christian Recording Ministries. First, though, here is what happens for Christians in Pakistan:
· Christmas is called “Bara Din,” which in Urdu means “Big Day.”
· During Advent, spiritual seminars take place to help people prepare.
· During the last week of Advent, groups perform Christmas carols, going from house to house singing. The families offer the groups something in return.
· In large Christian areas, each house is decorated and has a star on the roof. Streets are decorated and lit as well.
· The crib and Christmas tree are important decorations. Sometimes families have competitions for the best crib!
· Christians exchange Christmas cakes.
· On Christmas Eve, churches are packed for the midnight or vigil-mass services.
· On Bara Din, Christians go to church again for celebrations. People wear their best, most colorful clothes. Celebrations at church last for hours, with plenty of food from different groups.
A word from the Presbyterian Education Board
Executive Director Veda Javaid writes, “I give thanks to God for His blessings. COVID and Dengue are two diseases that have caused much fear in Pakistan, but we thank God that 99.9% of our employees are protected and that all students in grades 9 and 10 are vaccinated against COVID-19. Schools are back to their routines with 100% attendance in each school. The greatest joy is that new students are being enrolled!
This year the highest mark achieved by one of our students was 1096/1100. 69 students achieved A+ scores in PEB schools. This is excellent compared to the larger city schools. Thank you for the scholarships you provide to our students.”
An opportunity for prayer
Please join us in praying for PEB’s ongoing litigation regarding three properties being held by the government that belong to PEB. They ask for special prayers for the growth of Solomon Standard High School in Rawalpindi.
An opportunity for giving
PEB requests funds to provide backpacks for each student. As shown in this picture, only one student among five has a backpack. $40 will supply one student with a backpack filled with supplies.
A word from PCRM
Executive Director Zahoor Ul Haq writes, “We are thankful to our Lord Jesus Christ for His unchanging love and grace that we experienced this year. God continues to bless PCRM to serve Him in many ways.”
The audio production for shortwave, social media, and local radio (FM) is strong. The most popular program “Rah e Zindgi (English “Way of Life”)” is very popular among young people in both rural and urban areas. One listener writes, “I get spiritual peace through your programs, especially Old Testament dramas.” Another writes, “Because of your program, I am interested in studying the Bible. Please send me the Holy Bible!” This December, PCRM arranged a Christmas Festival for poets, artists, and musicians at the Punjab Arts Council in Faisalabad. More than 400 people attended!
An opportunity for giving
Your gifts will go toward supporting the successful programming and PCRM’s 2022 vision to produce a set of DVDs with new music and drama videos. Gifts will also go toward PCRM providing Bibles in Urdu to their listeners who do not have God’s Word.
An opportunity for prayer
PCRM mourns the passing of Marina Amos who served as a program producer and presenter for nearly 30 years. Let us pray for the Spirit to bring new leadership to these important areas in 2022.
Read more about the Presbyterian Education Board HERE.
Read more about Pakistan Christian Recording Ministries HERE.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the mission and ministry of the Presbyterian Education Board in Lahore, Pakistan. All gifts of any size are welcomed to help provide scholarships, which are required for almost every student as most come from very poor families. The Outreach Foundation is also seeking gifts to support the mission of Pakistan Christian Recording Ministries. All gifts of any size are welcomed to assist PCRM in its broadcast and recording ministry. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.