_edited.jpg)
- Beverly Van Kampen
Shakeel is shown here with an elderly couple from Hyderabad. The woman was earning money by cleaning houses for those who are more prosperous. She has lost her cleaning jobs, though, because of fear of the Corona Virus. Her husband is in frail condition, but he gets up early every day and searches through garbage to find plastic bottles to redeem at the local shops. But with temperatures often reaching 100 degrees this time of year, even that work has been harder to do.
When Shakeel heard of their problems, he included them in a delivery of food from Reach the Nations, and he visited with them about their needs and about God's loving care for them. The woman acknowledged that they had no food in the house and wondered how they would be able to eat that day.
Keep praying for the people of Pakistan in this time of distress!
"Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’" - Deuteronomy 15:11b
- Beverly Van Kampen
The man shown with Mehboob above is living in day-to-day desperation. He was working as a day labourer in houses of well-to-do people, often as a maid. But, during the time of the COVID-19 shut down, there is no work for him.
He had two sons to help with the family income, but the elder son became paralyzed and then died. His second son was working as a day-laborer, and he lost his hand while performing his work. The family has seen much grief and experienced much pain.
The visit by Mehboob and his team was a surprise for Muhammad Asghar, and he was very happy and thankful for this food package they provided. The food is essential to his survival during this time, and we should not underestimate the impact of someone noticing his dire situation and reaching out to help. Thank you, Reach the Nations team, for caring for this man.
Pray that Mehboob and Muhammad will be able to continue conversations about truths that matter well beyond this present life.
"Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."
- Matthew 25:40b
- Beverly Van Kampen
Once again, St. Thomas Church in Islamabad was the center for distribution of food packages to families in need. The recipients had been pre-selected by Manzoor Masih and Rashid Manzoor (shown on the left below) and, in all, 52 families were served.
As the sign below shows, it was made clear that all the food was donated by and distributed by Christians, and local pastors prayed with the Reach the Nations team as they ministered in this very tangible way to people experiencing hunger due to COVID-19 work loss.
Everyone entering the area around the church was required by local law-enforcement to walk through this disinfecting tunnel. Face masks were provided as well to prevent the spread of disease.
A few more photos below will tell more of the story of this food distribution:
Please continue to pray for these efforts to alleviate pain and suffering during this difficult time in Pakistan so that all will be done to the glory of God, needs will be met, and many will come to realize the tender care the Father has for His children.
