Pakistan is a highly populated country with one of the largest Muslim populations in the world. Earlier this year, the Pakistani president signed a bill introducing Islamic Sharia law to the north-west of the country. Some Christians fear increased Islamism in the whole country.
In this context, spending time with other believers is particularly meaningful to the Christian students who are part of PFES (the IFES movement there). In the PFES Bible study groups and training programs, students and staff discuss issues such as the Islamisation of their country, considering what the Bible teaches and how they can live out their faith in these circumstances.
In July, PFES had two national events: a conference for 45 medical and engineering students, and a mission camp. Nearly 100 students from 12 cities took part in the mission camp, which was on 'Your Kingdom Come' from Matthew 24:14. Here are a few comments from participants from the two camps.
- 'The conference has given light to my life.' Shahzad
- 'I realized the purpose of my life is to witness God.' Sumbal from Rahim Yar Khan
- 'It was an energy drink; it encouraged me to excel in knowledge of the Bible.' Tabish
- 'I have committed to serve God through my profession.' Huma from Peshawar
Philip (PFES General Secretary) shares that they have a vision to strengthen the ministry from the grassroots, so staff are working to establish well-trained volunteer teams of student leaders and graduates, who can lead the Bible study groups. Please pray for these volunteers, that they might disciple many students who will be strong ambassadors for Christ.
Please pray also for student ministry both Pakistan and across South Asia, for students to take the initiative in engaging both with individuals and ideas in the university, to the glory of God. Pray too for grace and wisdom to reach across the boundaries of religion and ethnicity with the gospel.
