In a heartbreaking tale of perseverance and hope, a Christian community near Karachi faced an unfathomable ordeal when the homes they painstakingly rebuilt after a record-breaking flood in 2022 were once again razed to the ground by torrential rainfall in July 2023. Read more (here).
The calamity left them without shelter or sustenance, highlighting the dire need for comprehensive aid and support in the wake of such disasters.
The Government of Pakistan provided no assistance; however, the British Asian Christian Association has intervened to offer help.
The dire circumstances of this community came to the forefront through the efforts of Pastor Mehboob Ellahi, a compassionate leader of a prominent Asian Christian Church based in Newport, Wales. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Pastor Ellahi’s appeal for assistance resonated with Trustees of British Asian Christian Association, igniting a chain of action to alleviate the suffering of these families.
A glimmer of hope emerged as reserve funds were mobilized to provide immediate relief to the distressed community. This initial response translated into a month’s supply of essential food for a village grappling with uncertainty, providing a lifeline to those in need.
However, the endeavor will not stop at food aid alone. The commitment to stand by this community in their hour of need is propelling further initiatives. The aim now extends to securing tents, mosquito nets and a clean water pump, with plans underway to establish a vital medical camp. This comprehensive approach seeks to address the immediate concerns of shelter, protection, and healthcare, ensuring that the community can rebuild their lives with the support they deserve. In order to achieve this, we need to raise a minimum of £2000, and BACA is actively seeking donors to support this appeal. You can donate (here).
The devastating monsoon rains that wreaked havoc in the Sindh province of Pakistan last month added to the community’s struggles. From July 19 onwards, the relentless downpour had a profound impact, especially on those residing in mud houses, compounding their challenges and underscoring the need for urgent assistance.
Pastor Prabhu Das, a local evangelist from Khawaja Stop in Allahyar, Sindh, painted a vivid picture of the catastrophe. “The rains poured continuously for five days, swiftly flowing through our streets and causing damage to our walls, leading to roof collapses.” The resilience of the community was tested as they sought refuge in makeshift tents hastily erected during the deluge.
The relentless rain not only shattered their homes but also pushed families deeper into poverty. Earning meager daily wages by toiling in cotton fields, these families faced an uphill battle to provide for themselves amidst skyrocketing inflation. The destruction of the cotton fields by the heavy rains further exacerbated their struggles, leaving them grappling to feed their families.
Beyond the immediate concerns of sustenance, the community contended with the looming threat of waterborne diseases. Stagnant rainwater pools transformed into breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes, posing risks not only to human populations but also livestock.
Despite the hardships, the community found solace in the compassion of their Christian counterparts.
Hero Masih, a member who lost his home to the rains, expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support. “When the rain wreaks havoc, nobody comes to our aid except for our Christian brothers and sisters. No Muslim NGOs or government agencies bother to reach us or understand our plight.”
On August 4th, a glimmer of hope was delivered by BACA as they distributed food packages among 12 families in Khawaja Stop, Tandoallahyar. These packages included essential items like rice, grains, sugar, tea, and flour, offering sustenance and relief for a month. The recipients, many of whom had endured days of hunger, shed tears of joy upon receiving this lifeline.
Mary Masih, a member of the community, recounted the dire circumstances they faced, including rationing food and selling valuable assets at a fraction of their worth. She expressed her gratitude, saying,
“Many of the adults have been starving.
“We rationed our food ensuring the children had something to eat.
“We thank God that at our lowest point, He came to our rescue – praise His name.”
As Evangelist Prabhu Das conveyed heartfelt gratitude, he encapsulated the sentiment of the entire community, “Our hearts are filled with deep gratitude towards BACA for reaching out to us with food and love.”
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for British Asian Christian Association, said:
“This endeavor stands as a united effort, one that highlights the power of community and compassion.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Pastor Mehboob Ellahi, whose dedication has shed light on the challenges faced by these Christian communities. His initiative in connecting us with the local Pastor has been invaluable.
“While it is disheartening, it unfortunately comes as no surprise that neither Muslim NGOs nor the Government of Pakistan have extended a helping hand to these villagers in their time of need.
“This state of affairs, though lamentable, mirrors a pattern of intolerance that is sadly prevalent in the nation.
“What is truly baffling is the apparent disregard from Western donors, who have failed to ensure that a portion of the substantial aid directed towards Pakistan is allocated to support minority communities.
“This shortcoming has perpetuated a continuous marginalization of non-Muslims, which remains a distressing reality.”
