Sharing the Gospel in Pakistan through Social Media: A PAK 7 Story

Forbes (June 2022 and July, 2021) cited recent studies on the increasing state of anger in human society globally, noting that people tend to click on links that contain even violent expressions of anger. We emphasize that point above the others because “clicking” on links is one of the primary social media metrics that indicate interest. It’s like that fish that nibbles on the bait and ultimately, we hope, will take it hook, line, and sinker.

Open Doors lists Pakistan as the seventh leading country where Christians face open persecution, hostility, and violence against them. To witness about Jesus takes boldness and courage, and social media is making a huge impact in this work. Whereas the world is clicking on links that pull people deeper into anger, in Pakistan people are clicking on social media links that draw them more deeply into knowing Jesus. Due to the sensitivity of this information, we are unable to share specifics, but stories convey what’s happening on the ground.

The reach our partners have in Pakistan is in the millions. In 2023, PAK 7 recorded 55,000 social media clicks from distinct people who are from the majority population. Of that number 4,289 people prayed with volunteers by phone and 147 now testify Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Most of these occur among people 18-34 years old, a key demographic in Pakistan.

Here is one story of a man named “Ammar”

We've known Ammar and been in touch with him for over a year now, but he would always contact us, exchange messages for a few days, and then suddenly stop. However, Ammar has always been curious about Christianity, asking many questions. Then, about six months ago, he suddenly deleted his old account, making it impossible to stay in touch. My team prays regularly for…Ammar [who] stayed on the list. This week, he reached out again and shared something he hadn't mentioned before. He is in the army, and his department doesn't allow mobile use. He can only use his phone when he's back home. This time, he shared his mobile number and had a Bible study lesson with me again. I was thrilled to find that he remembered everything we learned together months ago. He explained why Jesus Christ sacrificed His life. During our call, he expressed his desire to read the Bible, but he couldn't keep a physical copy with him. We found a solution: whenever he has the chance to use his mobile, he can download the Bible again and continue where he left off because sometimes they only allow him to use his mobile on the weekend. Ammar is only 20 years old, but he's incredibly faithful and committed to learning. Please pray with me that through Ammar, God will do incredible things among those in uniform.

Another story is about a woman named “Saima.” Following three broken engagements, she decided to reach out to our partner through social media. This led to an online interaction with a volunteer who prayed with Saima, asking Jesus to heal her broken heart and lead her to a good husband. She did not know Jesus and asked about Him. This led to further conversations and eventually, she participated in an online Bible study and is reading the Bible herself now, though discretely. The volunteer keeps in touch with Saima and the team is actively praying for her to give her heart to Jesus.

In February 2024, The Outreach Foundation is visiting partners in Pakistan where Muslims are the majority population. One of our goals is to have conversations with teams about the way their use of social media is making an impact among the majority population of Pakistan. We look forward to reporting back to you about our discoveries and sharing more of their stories.

THE OPPORTUNITY
We can provide the fuel our trusted partners in Pakistan need to continue sharing the good news through social media and satellite television. Communicating what they do is not always easy due to security concerns. However, The Outreach Foundation can attest PAK 7 is doing incredible work that energizes us greatly. Come alongside PAK 7 through prayer and your generous financial gifts designated “PAK 7.” You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.