On December 18th, a dedicated team of Pakistani Pastors, who generously volunteer for the British Asian Christian Association, journeyed to brick kilns in Sheikhupura to distribute both printed and audio Bibles.
The distribution of Bibles is anticipated to provide a valuable opportunity for some of the most underprivileged Christians in Pakistan to deepen their faith and engage with the transformative Gospel of Christ.
Now, they can study and reflect on these teachings in their own time, rather than solely relying on the presence of a visiting Pastor.
VIDEO: Pak-Christians share their joy in having their own accessible Gospel.
In the heart of Sheikhupura, nestled along the Lahore-Sharaqpur road, lies a brick kiln at Tiba Khokhar Da where the struggles of impoverished Christian families are hidden beneath layers of dust and grime. On a chilly December 18th, BACA team embarked on a remarkable journey, covering a challenging 35 kilometers to deliver a gift that would resonate far beyond its physical form—the gift of audio Bibles.
Led by our dedicated volunteers elder Nazir Masih (55 yrs) and Pastor Yusaf Masih (50 yrs) the BACA team traversed a challenging 35-kilometer path to reach the Christian workers at Tiba Khokhar Da. Nazir Masih, who is a brick kiln worker himself, has witnessed the struggles of these families firsthand and recognizes the profound impact that spiritual support could have on their lives. Nazir Masih approached us in November and requested us to provide these poor families with the gift of audio Bible for their spiritual support and encouragement.
VIDEO: A man hold aloft proudly his audio Bible which is played for 10 randomly selected families. These families will also use these audio for group Bible studies so way more than the 10 who have been gifted the Bibles will benefit from regularly hearing the Gospel.
The brick kiln, located far from the comforts of urban life, stands as a silent witness to the harsh realities faced by these Christian workers. Their lives, entangled in the unforgiving grasp of loans, leave them at the mercy of kiln owners who demand rigorous labor seven days a week, leaving no room for the spiritual respite of a Sunday service.
In response to the plea from Nazir Masih, BACA distributed 10 audio Bibles among the Christian workers, marking a significant step toward providing them with a source of spiritual strength and encouragement. The significance of this gesture was not lost on the recipients, who welcomed the BACA team with open arms.
Pervaiz Masih (35 yrs), a brick kiln worker, shared his gratitude, saying,
“I cannot read the Bible, but when I hear a sermon, I wish I could remember everything shared from the Bible. I am happy and my joy is beyond the grasp of words as I have now the Bible in my hands.”
His wife, Parveen Bibi (33 yrs), echoed his sentiments, expressing her excitement about incorporating the audio Bible into her daily routine:
“I wake up early for household work. Now I will play it while I am doing my work. We will carry it with us in the field and hear the word of the Lord throughout the day. We are no longer dependent on someone to read the Bible for us.”
The impact of this gift extends beyond the individual recipients to the entire community. Another Christian woman at the brick kiln shared her joy, saying,
“I would ask my children to read the Bible for me, but they would not listen. But now, as you have gifted the Living Word of God, I will hear it anytime my heart yearns for it. This audio Bible is a wonderful facility. I will begin my day with listening to the Word of the Lord.”
BACA’s outreach has not only provided spiritual nourishment but has also empowered these marginalized communities with a newfound sense of independence in accessing the Word of God. The audio Bibles act as a beacon of hope, breaking the chains of illiteracy and limited access to Christian teachings.
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for British Asian Christian Association, said:
“In a world where the struggles of the marginalized often go unnoticed, our compassionate initiative serves as a reminder of the transformative power of simple acts of kindness.
“The gift of audio Bibles continues to spread joy, hope, and inspiration, making a profound impact on the lives of those who need it most.”
Every year, BACA distributes audio Bibles and printed copies to underprivileged Christians many who, due to their circumstances, are unable to read. These individuals often reside in areas devoid of churches, relying on the occasional visit from a pastor funded by BACA or other organisations, to receive a sermon and comprehend the Gospel. Procuring Bibles for these visits is a costly endeavor; our audio Bibles amount to £28 each, while each printed Bible costs £5. By contributing to our Pakistan fund, you play a crucial role in ensuring the continuous sharing of the transformative message of peace and hope found in the Gospel of Christ. Your donation can make a lasting impact, helping us reach and bless many faithful Christians. To support this cause, kindly donate (here).
