PAKISTAN | DAY 1 & 2
What a start to Pakistan
Day 1 was mostly a travel day, and ministry started before we ever reached a platform. After the long journey from South Africa, including a night sleeping on airport benches in Abu Dhabi, we finally arrived in Karachi. Abu Dhabi airport is beautiful, but I can confirm that airport benches were definitely not designed for sleeping!
Sometimes the mission field is the seat next to you
Something that has already stood out to me is that when you make yourself available to God, ministry does not wait for the crusade. On the journey, we found ourselves sitting next to people who simply wanted to talk. Conversations opened naturally, including opportunities to speak to Muslims about Jesus and the power of God. Through testimonies and sharing real, lived experiences, the men were intrigued and listened intently. Not one of us tried to convince the other of choosing one “religion” above the other. However, it became clear through the questions asked, that Jesus is a Living Person, and should actually not be conformed to a religion. He is not a set of rules. He is a Person. This opened up the door to minister about the difference between religion and relationship.
We took the time beforehand to study some portions of the Quran, and it was especially meaningful to the men when I showed understanding of, what they call, their “holy text.” It is also this same text that opened up great questions about the divinity of Jesus, the Son of God, the virgin birth, and the triune God. I could slowly see how the veil was lifting from their eyes. I prayed with them, and I believe Jesus will finish what He has started with them. Perhaps through a radical encounter with Him through a dream or vision, or through the next labourer who proves faithful to God’s instruction. We shared contact information and greeted each other after the flight. They thanked me for the conversation, commenting that it was a very eye-opening conversation which they would love to take further. This e-mail reaching out to them, is my first priority when I am back in South Africa.
We arrived in Karachi tired, but expectant. We saw the hunger in people for Truth, their willingness to listen if you are willing to listen to them in return, and we saw Jesus working right before us, in an aeroplane, somewhere over some country…
There was time to get settled, get what was needed for the crusade and prepare our hearts for what God had brought us here to do. The prayer does not happen before we go only, it is not only upheld by our prayer partners while we are ministering, it is part of our daily walk, our daily preparation, our daily relationship with the Name above all names.
Then came Day 2
We travelled to Hyderabad for the first crusade, and what we walked into was precious. Families, women, men and so many children gathered together, hungry and expectant. This crusade was organised by a wonderful pastor who has been our contact in Pakistan. He is a wonderfully brave and gentle man – a true representation of the Lion and the Lamb. The Gospel was preached, people responded, hands went up, people came forward and we watched God touch lives right in front of us.
Standing there amongst people from a completely different culture, language and background, I was reminded again that Jesus needs no introduction to a hungry heart. The Gospel still works. The Name of Jesus still carries power. And no border, language or religion can stop the love of God from reaching a person.
Looking ahead
This is only the beginning of the week. Today, Day 3, we are heading into the villages to visit brick kiln factories and some of the ongoing projects here, including sewing centres, medical clinics and schools. Forced labour is a challenge in Pakistan, and we are trusting God for opportunities to reach those affected by it, especially at the brick kiln factories and sewing centres. Jesus died for us to be free, not bound as slaves, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Later this week we will also begin looking ahead to the much bigger January 2027 crusade and the groundwork required to reach even more people. This is our first visit. This is our first touch of Pakistani soil. Now, the real planning begins. Pastors training, groundwork, preparation, discipleship, and taking hands with other pastors and Christians in the area who want the Name of Jesus to be known, are willing to shepherd and disciple those who come to salvation through future massive crusades, and who are interested in making Jesus known, not themselves.
This is a crucial step in the process. Having the right partners on the ground become as important as a jury selection. These partners are who will drive the groundwork with our team over the next three months, who will commit to shepherding and discipling all the precious people choosing Jesus, and not fight about who gets to invite the most people to THEIR church. No… Jesus is building HIS church, and we get to do it with Him. The right heart in our partners is more important than what they can offer.
And this is where we need our people back home with us
We will need to raise funds this week toward what lies ahead. These trips, crusades, local groundwork, transport, venues, equipment and practical ministry carry very real costs. If God puts Pakistan on your heart, please pray about partnering with us. Every person who gives becomes part of sending the Gospel where it needs to go. And this is just the start…
But above everything else, please pray
Pray for open hearts. Pray for divine appointments. Pray for protection and strength. Pray for the local pastors and believers who will remain when we leave. Pray that those who meet Jesus will not simply have an encounter at a crusade, but will be planted, discipled and grow into mature followers of Christ.
We did not come to Pakistan to build a name.
We came carrying THE Name. Jesus.
And we are believing that Pakistan will know Him. Hallelujah!
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