Christian Women in Pakistan

“How to make choices”

“Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” (John 6:29)

As most of you know Vicki and I were drawn to our brothers and sisters in Pakistan. This was the first woman’s seminar the Grace Believers Society held in Gujranwala, Pakistan a week or so ago. Every seat was filled. I cannot imagine women in the west packing a room with the topic being “How to make choices.” Right or wrong, women of the west are very capable of making choices. I will try to explain what makes the woman of Pakistan different.

First of all Christians are less than 2% of this Muslim nation. So, I would guess that the girls and women are less than 1% of the population that practices a class system. A smaller population of Hindus are the only class lower than Christians. I need to qualify the word “Christian.” It is the social designation for anyone born into a Christian family. It is a label that destinies women to educational and financial poverty.

A dominant male society has left its mark on the fathers and brothers and husbands of Christian women in Pakistan. What money women earn is not their own. If living at home most is given to their mothers for food. Anything left over finds it way into the pockets of father or brothers. There is no need to talk about abuse. Imagine as you will.

This hardship drives some to search for greener pastures found in the promises and arms of a wealthier Muslim. Sadly, they are thrown away when the man decides the relationship is over. They then carry their shame back to an often cold community.

Shama and Imrana, of Grace Believers Society, proclaim the word of God as they encourage and educate women who have little hope for a brighter day. Keep both of them in your prayers. Their work for the Lord is not without danger.

For the next few posts I will be highlighting the different aspects of this pastoral ministry that is spreading the Good News that is impacting the lives of so many in need. Vicki and I are participating in a move of God and are asking the Father to raise up others to share this experience with us. Perhaps after presenting a short series of articles we will have enticed you to join us.

“The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even to the least of them, you did it to Me.'” (Matthew 25:40)