Pakistan is a country in turmoil. On the political front, numerous politicians have been assassinated. It seems that anyone who speaks up in favor of a Christian view point does so at the risk of his or her life. The same danger applies to those who defend a secular view point against radical Islam. The helplessness of the government is being highlighted by the antics of Islamic Cleric Yousaf Quereshi, who offered $6,000 to anyone who killed a Pakistani Christian woman accused of blasphemy. A cabinet minister who defended the woman was slaughtered, with Quereshi, so to speak, cheering from the sidelines. As caretaker of a historic building, Quereshi is on the government payroll. Yet no one in government dares to challenge him.

Being accused of blasphemy and other made-up crimes is increasingly the lot of a marginalized Christian Pakistani population. A weak government has caved in to pressure from Islamic groups and abandoned an initiative to review blasphemy laws which currently carry a death penalty for those found guilty in Pakistani courts.

Many of the fighters opposing the West’s attempts to bring democracy and freedom to Afghanistan come from Pakistan. As a result, American drones regularly attack fighters in Pakistani territory. Tension between Muslim Pakistan and Hindu India over Kashmir has led to several wars. Both have tested nuclear weapons, which has made the rest of the world even more nervous about this volatile region.

But the turmoil isn’t limited to the political, religious and military arenas. Every year the people of Pakistan prepare for monsoon season, but the deluge that began in late July 2010 was uncommonly severe, leaving millions in need of food and shelter.

In response to the plight of these people, Word & Deed supporting churches and individuals donated $24,356 for the relief effort. In partnership with the mission arm of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Churches (ARP), these funds were used to provide homes for 12 families in Muzaffargarh, Pakistan.

The project took three months and its completion was marked with a closing ceremony on February 26, 2011. Our project partners, Dr. Len Branham, Mr. Samson, and Peter Massey of Christian Hospital – Sahiwal (CHS), were able to speak to the whole group and then to visit each family in their new home, praying and sharing God’s Word with them. Beneficiaries included five widows and their children.

One man said that they were very thankful for the work of CHS, as they were not in a position to rebuild their houses, and no government aid or non-government organization (NGO) had been to their area of Pakistan. A widow said that she is thankful she and her daughters no longer have to live in a tent.

After visiting, Peter Massey shared a meditation on creation, man’s fall into sin, and God’s love, manifested through His people. The eagerness of our supporters to donate funds for the relief effort in Pakistan is surely a practical example of God’s love, being manifested through individuals. Thank you for your generosity!