Hard times in Pakistan and Nepal
Filed Under: Committee on Relief, COR, HAC, Humanitarian Aid Committee, MLP, Multi-Language Publications, Nepal, Pakistan
WELS' contact in Pakistan reports that Christians in Gojra, Pakistan, were attacked by Muslims on Aug. 1. A number of Christians were killed, and many homes were burned. Exact numbers are difficult to obtain because of the anti-Christian atmosphere in Pakistan.
WELS began working with a Christian in Pakistan in 2006, but his identity must remain protected for his safety. Since 2006, WELS has distributed more than 60,000 pieces of Christian literature to people in Pakistan, and 19,000 students are enrolled in the Bible correspondence and teaching courses translated into Urdu by WELS Multi-Language Publications.
Rev. Michael Duncan, WELS' mission outreach coordinator for Pakistan and Nepal, says, "Christians in other parts of the world experience extreme persecution for their beliefs. The devil is alive, and we must do all we can to share the gospel in parts of the world where it is unknown. It's critical that we pray for Christians in countries like Pakistan and for the work that we are doing to share the gospel with these people."
Duncan also reports that a cholera epidemic in midwestern Nepal has killed 260 people and left thousands sick. Through the synod's contact in Nepal, WELS has access to these remote regions where people are not receiving medicine, so the contact, along with leaders in the church, will bring medicines to these people. WELS Committee on Relief is supplying $1,000 and WELS Humanitarian Aid Committee is supplying $1,100 for medical clinics to treat this cholera epidemic.
Rev. David Valleskey, chairman of the Humanitarian Aid Committee, says, "The Humanitarian Aid Committee exists to demonstrate the love of Jesus to people by providing gifts to them in times of trouble, which is obviously what this is for the people in Nepal. One of our goals is to have people ask, 'Why are you giving us this gift?' Then Christians in the area have an opportunity to share the gospel with their neighbors."
