MY ACCOUNT
“My faith has been increased. I already had faith in God, and God has listened to my prayer.”
It’s been a year since Asghar’s prayers for freedom were answered.
Persecution of Christian families in Pakistan is all too common. Many Christians are trapped in poverty without access to good jobs and education. They’re often left with no choice but to take out predatory loans from owners of brick kilns, where they work for very little pay. Generations can become trapped in virtual slavery.
Life after slavery for a Christian family in Pakistan
When GCR first met Asghar, he and his family were living in poverty. He worked in a brick kiln, enslaved by his debts, with little hope of ever paying them off. As he toiled, he prayed for freedom, hoping to one day provide a better life for his four children and his wife, Nusrat.
Thanks to your support, Asghar’s debts were paid. He has started his own business selling vegetables with the help of a donkey pulling his cart. He makes close to 700 rupees a day.
“We are very happy and better than before after this business,” Asghar said. “My one son is going to school and one son is working with me.”
With his increased income, Asghar has purchased a plot of land on installment. He and his family still live in the brick kiln, but they hope to leave it soon. In about two and a half years, their land will be paid for, and Asghar will be able to begin the process of building a new home.
Asghar noted that his family has been able to enjoy better meals, now that his wages at the kiln are no longer going toward paying off his debts and he’s been able to earn extra income thanks to his new business. They’ve even purchased a refrigerator, a luxury that was out of reach while he was still enslaved.
“Before, we were living in poverty,” Nusrat said. “But now the situation is getting better.”
Faith and hope for the future of their family
For Asghar and Nusrat, having their prayers finally answered has deepened their faith in God.
“God has released us from slavery, and now our faith is more,” Nusrat said. “Our trust is increased in God.”
Now, instead of praying for freedom, Nusrat prays for a better future for her children: three sons and a daughter. For the first time, their children are free to dream big. One son has worked at a garment factory, where his brother would also like to work. Their daughter is learning to sew from a local sewing center, while their youngest son hopes to one day become a pastor.
“This is the blessing of God,” Asghar said, reflecting on the changes that have come for him and his family.
Asghar’s favorite scripture comes from Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” He is grateful that God has heard his prayers, shepherding him through his own trials. He prays that God will answer the prayers of other Christian families in Pakistan who are not yet free.
“I pray to the Lord that other brick-kiln workers who are also under the debt, they can also have this blessing, so they can also be released from slavery,” Asghar said. “We will pray for the people of America. May God keep them in His shadow so that they can continue supporting people like me. So they can also be blessed.”
Please keep Asghar, Nusrat and their children in your prayers. Pray for their health and financial security. Pray that God will continue to bless them and strengthen their faith.
Pray for those Christian families in Pakistan who remain trapped and hopeless, that God would break their chains, wipe away their tears and free them from their bondage. Consider giving today to join us in freeing 100 families just like Asghar’s who desperately need our help.
In Pakistan’s brick kilns, $1,018 can trap an impoverished family for a lifetime. To brothers and sisters in a country opposed to Christianity, your gift today can be the miracle an impoverished family needs to shatter the vicious cycle of oppression. You’ll not only meet their basic needs—you’ll provide a pathway to freedom for people just like Asghar and Nusrat! We’re dedicated to freeing 100 Christian families who desperately need your help.
