The mission team to Pakistan was sent in September, 1995 … In an environment of fear and intimidation the disciples in Pakistan boldly and tirelessly share their faith and live out true Christianity … From that group of four disciples there are now four churches in two nations with over 235 disciples.
Editor’s Note: This article was posted on the India Church of Christ website: http://indiacoc.org/.
To read the rest of the article, which includes background on the nation of Pakistan, go here: http://indiacoc.org/?p=15.
The mission team to Pakistan was sent in September, 1995. A mission team of four was sent from New Delhi, India to the city of Lahore, Pakistan. The four member team included Eddie D’sousa, a brother of Pakistani origin from Australia, Robert Ma who was of Chinese origin from the US, Shabana, a sister of Pakistani origin from the UK, and Mamta a sister of Indian origin from the US. Although the team faced many obstacles and challenges in the first few months, God eventually rewarded their faith and perseverance. Many of the first converts were raised up to become a part of the local leadership group that would eventually take over the leadership of the church.
The disciples in Pakistan face many hardships in their lives. Christians in Pakistan face tremondous discrimination and prejudice. This is evident from early school years to their adult lives as they are treated as second class citizens and not given equal opportunities to develop themselves. As a result, many are poor and have to struggle to make ends meet. It is in this environment that the church has played a great role in providing encouragement and support as each member is called to Jesus’ standard of discipleship and to see themselves as God sees. In an environment of fear and intimidation the disciples in Pakistan boldly and tirelessly share their faith and live out true Christianity. Despite the challenges and struggles our churches have faced in recent times, the churches in Pakistan continue to baptize and plant churches.
From that group of four disciples there are now four churches in two nations with over 235 disciples.
Lahore, Pakistan
Lahore is known as the cultural center of the Pakistan and it has vast array of historic buildings and gardens from the pre-historic, Mughal and British periods.
Population:
8.86 Million
Date of planting:
Sep 1995 from New Delhi, India
Church Leaders:
Shakeel and Poonam Bhati
Disciples:
188
Peshawar, Pakistan
There are very few ancient cities in the subcontinent which in spite of the great stresses and strains have retained their old complexion, and Peshawar is one of them. A walk through the old city’s blind alleys will help you appreciate how Peshawar has retained its centuries old grandeur and complexion.
Population:
2.018 Million (1998)
Date of planting:
Dec 1998 from Lahore, Pakistan
Church Leaders:
Phinhas & Rehana
Disciples:
45
Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Rawalpindi has been know as a military city since colonial times and has, therefore, still remained Army headquarters after independence in 1947.
Population:
2.3 Million
Date of Planting:
November, 2007 from Lahore, Pakistan
Church Leaders:
Rasheed & Noshie Masih
Disciples:
8
143 attend the first invitation service in Rawalpindi, December 9, 2007
Brothers studying the Bible with a friend after the service
First baptism in Rawalpindi church, March 2008
To read previous stories about the Rawalpindi church, click on the following links:
