The Power of the Written Word

For some time now, students in the Daska area of Punjab have gathered several times a week with their teacher, Rehana, to learn how to read, write, and do basic math.

From left to right you see Abraham, the husband of Rehana who is next to him and who is the teacher of this class. Then there is one of our graduates and, on the far right is Pastor Mehboob.

It’s been a hard journey. They met at first in a poorly lit room and students sat on blankets on the floor. Reach the Nations quickly corrected that situation, furnishing the class with chairs and improved lighting

Then, Rehana was severely injured in an accident and had to take several weeks away from the class while she recovered. We are grateful for her recovery and also grateful for others who led the class when she couldn’t be there.

This photo shows 15 of the 18 students in this graduating class.

But now, we see the fruit of the faithfulness of the students and their teachers over these many months. Eighteen teens and young adults have completed the classes and passed the competency tests and are now literate. It was an exciting day last Sunday when a graduation ceremony was held and the students were honored by the entire church at Daska.

Pastor Mehboob says this, “When this class began, these students were not able to read the Bible for themselves. Today, by the grace of God, they can read the Word of God and can also use their reading and writing skills in their everyday lives.

 “We are truly thankful to the Lord for what He has done in their lives during this past year. This has been more than just learning to read and write. For us, it has been about opening a door for people to read God's Word for themselves.

“We are especially grateful to Reach the Nations and also very thankful to our teacher Rehana, who faithfully gave her time and served these students with love and dedication throughout this journey.”

The graduation ceremony itself included the presentation of framed certificates to each graduate. In addition, each of them was given a large-print Urdu Bible. Sister Rehana will meet with them weekly so they can read the Bible together and talk about what they are learning.

Mehboob describes what happened next: “After the graduation ceremony, we held an outdoor worship and thanksgiving gathering. We invited the students and their family members to join us. It was a beautiful opportunity for the families to share in the joy and celebrate what God had done in the lives of their loved ones.

“We also arranged for food for everyone who attended so that we could share this happiness together. It was a simple but meaningful time of fellowship, thanksgiving, worship, and encouragement.” (from Mehboob)

We agree with the goal of Mehboob, Abraham, and Rehana that this graduation will encourage not only these 18 students but also their families and others in the community to value education, to learn to read, and to develop a desire to read and understand the Bible.

Again, from Mehboob, “Please pray that these students will continue improving their reading skills and, most importantly, that they will grow in their understanding of God's Word and apply it in their daily lives.”

“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” – Matthew 4:4