MY ACCOUNT
As morning arrives in Pakistan, 50-year-old Ahmed and his diligent family members—all Christian slaves—are already hard at work. The patriarch’s weathered hands are busy shaping heavy clay into uniform bricks. For over twenty years, this difficult labor has defined their lives.
Ahmed and his wife are among Pakistan’s impoverished Christian minority. Their entire family is trapped, living and working as Christian slaves in one of the 20,000 brick kilns across the country. “I turned from young to old while brick making,” Ahmed confessed wearily.
Christians, comprising less than 2% of Pakistan’s population, face severe persecution including violence, false blasphemy accusations and discrimination. Many, trapped in poverty, fall into brick kiln slavery through predatory loans, like Ahmed and his family. Despite legal protections, the government often fails to safeguard the rights of Pakistan’s Christian slaves, leaving this minority vulnerable to extremists and exploitation. “Because we are working here in this environment, it feels as if we are slaves,” Ahmed lamented. “We have to ask permission for everything.”
Ahmed’s debt has grown over the years for a variety of different reasons: a family emergency, medical expenses and wedding costs for his betrothed children, among other things. Upon borrowing from the owner of a brick kiln, he unknowingly ensnaring himself and his family in a web of exploitation, leading them to become Christian slaves.
Pakistan's Persecuted Christians
The interest rates on such loans for Pakistan’s bonded slaves are exorbitant, making repayment nearly impossible on the meager wages paid to kiln workers. Ahmed’s family, like countless others, found themselves trapped in a generational cycle of debt. Their small earnings are garnished to chip away at an ever-growing balance. “We have so many problems,” Ahmed’s wife shared, her eyes filled with tears. “It’s very difficult, and I want better for our children.”
The family’s hardships have been compounded by tragedy, including the untimely death of their daughter from cancer and the passing of Ahmed’s brother. Medical expenses and funeral costs have only added to their debt. Ahmed himself is now in poor health and struggles to continue making bricks at his current age. His children do their best to make up the difference, as each family has a quota of bricks they must satisfy to receive their daily wages.
Christian slaves like Ahmed cling to their faith
Amid their challenges in the brick kilns, Ahmed and his family keep their eyes on Christ. In fact, their Christian faith is their anchor in times of hardship. “We’re born as Christians, and it is everything for us,” Ahmed affirmed. “There’s nothing other than Christianity for us. It’s a big thing for us that we’re Christians and we pray to Jesus.”
Daily fellowship with local church members is a routine part of their Christian walk. In particular, the Psalms are frequently recited during their prayer times and Scripture readings. “God has helped us in all problems,” Ahmed testified. “In all our problems, He has stood by us.” One thing they never cease praying for? Their freedom. “We’ve kept requesting this from God,” said Ahmed.
We recently surprised Ahmed by working with our partners on the ground to eliminate his outstanding debt. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, this family is now free. They also received stipends to launch their own brick transport business, providing a sustainable source of income. In addition, Ahmed and his wife attended a 6-week financial literacy course to help them avoid future loan traps and save for their future.
The road ahead remains challenging for Ahmed and his family as they work to rebuild their lives and secure a brighter future for their children. But with the support of the global Christian community, they now dare to dream of a life beyond the kilns—a life of dignity, safety, and hope.
“I’m also so thankful and happy to be free of debt,” Ahmed said, his voice trembling with emotion. “We have freedom now.”
Their story represents the power of Christian compassion across borders. For Ahmed and his family, the generosity of their brothers and sisters in Christ has not only unlocked the chains of bondage, it has also restored their hope in the God—the One who sets the captives free.
“God has sent you,” Ahmed reflects, marveling at the answered prayer that gave them freedom. “And you’ve done good to take away my debt.”
In a nation where following Jesus often comes at an immense cost, the resilient witness of families like Ahmed’s shines bright. Through your support, you’re lifting Christian families out of slavery and giving hope in the name of Jesus.
Please continue to remember your persecuted brothers and sisters in Pakistan, like Ahmed and his family, through prayer and support.
Together, we can let Pakistan’s bonded slaves know they are never alone.
