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Pakistan
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a nation of over 200 million people of which only 1.6% are Christian. Of this number there are now 900-1000 Christadelphians and 19 ecclesias which is quite remarkable. This response to our beliefs is a relatively recent development.
The constitution of Pakistan makes provision for freedom of religious belief, but in a nation where 96% of the population are Moslem the degree of tolerance is not the same in every area. The more radical Islamists are in the western province of Balochistan where maintaining one’s faith in another religion can be problematic.
As with many Islamic countries it is an offence to change from the Islamic faith and for this reason most of those who seek out our beliefs come from other Christian communities. The ecclesias are generally found in the Punjab and Sindh provinces in the eastern areas bordering on India. The Punjab, meaning “Five Rivers” is spread across the central fertile plain through which the watershed of the western end of the Himalayas is carried principally by the Indus river to the sea. This region is often compared to Mesopotamia which is sustained by the Euphrates.
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The Punjab is the most urbanised of the provinces and considered the most productive in economic terms. The people of this province are very motivated, and this is seen in the ecclesias which have developed through very active preaching by our brothers and sisters. There is a very small support team within the ACBM which provide external teaching and when possible at least three visits each year. One of these visits is to encourage a growing number of young people, which is a very encouraging development. As mentioned in the eNews report attached we are providing support in food terms because of the effects of coronavirus which has impacted the jobs of many brothers and sisters. This support includes their extended families and active friends who have been attending our first principles classes.
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At present there have been around 60,000 cases of Covid-19, with 1225 deaths and 19,000 who have recovered. This is quite a remarkable result for a nation of this size and with limited medical infrastructure, it indicates that the government has put in place appropriate measures, which are being observed very effectively.
We are continuing to assess the level of support required across all of our areas and as indicated earlier it is in South Asia in particular and perhaps the Philippines where we are providing the most support. Fortunately, this is quite manageable at present. In the coming month we intend to provide greater detail on the level of support that is required across the Asia-Pacific region, as the world comes to grips with the ongoing economic impact and effects of this pandemic.
Sincerely, your brother in the One Hope
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Asia-Pacific Christadelphian Bible Mission Inc.NATIONAL PUBLICITYPO Box 160, Modbury North. SA 5092 |
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P Craig Hill: +61 448 449 910
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Preaching the Word - Caring for the Brotherhood
Asia-Pacific Christadelphian Bible Mission – June 2020
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Pakistan – Punjab RegionThe Covid-19 virus is a huge threat to this region with an area only the size of Victoria but with a population of 120 million. Because millions are day labourers or work in small businesses, the Government imposed lockdown means no work and no food for many families. While Moslems have rallied and are supporting their own, there is little help for Christians. Already food parcels have been made up and distributed to Christadelphians, their extended families and interested friends in seven centres.
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As we write another 10 centres are about to receive help. People come to the regular Christadelphian meeting place where a Bible talk with prayers are given. People go home with the message of Hope and their food packs. A typical pack is Flour, Cooking oil, Rice, Sugar, Tea, Beans, Pulses and Dettol. $12 feeds an extended family for a week. |
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Spiritual Welfare
With the lockdown there are no preaching weekends - just family meetings. There is a focus on daily Bible readings and generally catching up is by phone or WhatsApp communication. Regular Bible classes from Australia continue. |
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Baptisms
Apart from the gloom of lockdown and no money and food shortages there is the great news that on 4th May in the city of Hasilpur seven people were baptised. With the 5 already there, we now have an ecclesia of twelve. To make contact for further information [email protected]
Please encourage others to become subscribers and receive the eNews directly each month Write to [email protected] |
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