This year, we had the privilege of traveling to Pakistan to meet friends and develop new relationships. After over 50 hours of travel time and over 10,000 miles, we arrived at our destination. The country was in the middle of celebrating the Islamic fasting period of Ramadan. During this time, Muslims do not open their stores and do not eat during the day. At six in the evening, the day of fasting is complete. In Pakistan, the people open their shops and restaurants from six in the evening until midnight (at which time the next day of fasting begins). Ordinary chores and errands must change to fit the new daily schedule.
Christians in Pakistan live in a land where Muslims make up 97% of the population. Those who are not Muslims face a number of challenges. First, if you aren't a Muslim, you are always an outsider and will never be included in the large social group. If a person wants to be part of the large social group, he/she has no choice but to become a Muslim. Marriage follows religious lines strictly. The standard greeting of Islam is used by everyone when meeting someone for the first time (or problems could arise).
Second, the best jobs and opportunities in life are reserved for those who are Muslim, first and foremost. Non-Muslim people are at the end of the line for most things. Christians often take on the lowest paying jobs Muslims don't want to do, such as, street cleaning, laborious brick making and house cleaning. Our driver had spend almost two years driving for a local family. One day, he was relieved of his job by the family and could no longer assist us with our travel needs. These types of changes happen often to Christians.
Third, education is not free or government sponsored for everyone in Pakistan. Families pay to educate their children through schools, academies or private home teachers. The families with more money purchase quality education. Because Christians live on the low end of the economic scale, the education available to their children is very limited. Many children of Christians don't receive formal education.
Finally, Christians live under a constant pressure that is unyielding. If they offend someone, they may be falsely accused of belittling Islam or it's prophet and are considered guilty with no need of a formal trial. Just a few months before my arrival in Pakistan, hundreds of Muslims attacked Christian homes in a nearby city, destroying the entire contents of homes for 200 families. All of the families' belongs were taken into the street and burned.
Despite the challenges, God is at work in Pakistan. We got to encourage people and learn more about the everyday people of this country. We gave out some food to some needy children in several different locations.
*Many details are limited because of the sensitive nature of working in Pakistan.
