50 and Counting

A few weeks ago, the Reach the Nation literacy program in Islamabad had its third graduation ceremony. Twenty-one women were awarded certificates of achievement having passed proficiency tests in reading and writing in Urdu and in basic mathematics skills. The students, their teachers, and RTN representatives are shown above.

This brings to more than 50 the number of students who have graduated from this program under the capable leadership of Zarish shown on the far left in the photo above. RTN's representative, Manzoor Masih, is shown on the right.

Sikendar (on the left above) is the teacher of this class of students which has been meeting in the G-8 section of Islamabad. He is proud of their accomplishments and knows that these skills are life-changing for them. He will continue to teach these graduates in a class designed to help them to be able to read the Bible on their own.

Several students gave testimonies (sometimes tearful) expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to learn these skills, a hope many of them had had for years, never thinking they would see these dreams come to fruition.

In this photo, they have honored their teacher, in Pakistani style with leis around his neck, in appreciation for his patient instruction over the past several months.

Here are the graduates with their new large-print Urdu Bibles.

Many thanks to those of you who have helped to provide these classes through your gifts and your prayers!

"Rejoice with those who rejoice. . . " (Romans 12:15a)

Updates from Buraykay and Daska

Buraykay

Irfan is one of the Reach the Nations team members working in Punjab. A few months ago, he completed his Covenant Leadership Training Institute coursework, and when he returned to the ministry in Punjab, he felt called to begin a new work in Buraykay. He continues to go to this area, reaching all ages, but focusing on young people.

He shares the Gospel and teaches regularly from the Bible. He and Mehboob often hold prayer meetings here as well. More people are coming to pray and worship together.

Mehboob reports, "In this picture, we can see people who are worshipping, praying and giving thanks to God for everything for their life. The people are praying and worshipping with tears and thanks to God, who gives them life, heath, families, food and many blessings."

Daska

Mehboob leads the work in Daska and is shown here presenting a Bible to an older man who recently accepted Christ as his personal Saviour. With a Bible available, he will be able to learn more about God and grow in his Christian faith.

The picture above is of the congregation in Daska gathered to pray together. They are using two rooms of a borrowed house where they are meeting. Mehboob asks for prayers that they would be able to find a place to meet that would be large enough for all who attend. Mehboob taught the people from Psalm 127 after which many people shared testimonies of praise and thanksgiving to God. Please pray for those who are coming to faith in Jesus.

"Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness." - Colossians 2:7 (NLT)

Still Helping

We have shared with you about the persecution of Christians in the area of Janaranwala, Pakistan. An extremist group burned 28 churches and set fires in homes of 400 Christian families.

The people are continuing to live in ruins or they are back in their homes but without furnishings or basic tools for living and making meals.

Reach the Nations, through its team based in Punjab, has contined to provide basic necessities for these families.

Recently Adnan, Irfan, Mehboob and another colleague named Ibrahaim set out with food, kitchen utensils, and other household goods for those remaining in great need.

The men distributed the aid and also provided words of encouragement and prayed with them.

Thank you to those who have donated toward this relief effort. God is using your gifts to provide help and hope to brothers and sisters in difficult situations.

The persecution against Christians, though less intense, nevertheless continues. Many are living in fear. Even some of the RTN team, living in this area, are experiencing anxiety. Only God can provide the security they need. Pray with us for all of them.

"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." - Psalm 32:7