In a country where less than 2% of the population are Christians, Pakistani believers are often subject to persecution. Without access to good jobs and education, many Christians find themselves in a cycle of poverty. Following family or medical emergencies, they are often left with no choice but to take out predatory loans from owners of brick kilns. They’re paid very little and what money they do make is garnished for interest. Entire families are trapped in virtual slavery, sometimes for decades, with little hope of ever being freed.  

But that’s where you came in.  

Our efforts empowered 32 enslaved Pakistani Christian families to break the cycle of poverty and slavery through debt repayment, support for small businesses and educational sessions on health, financial management and spiritual growth.

Debt repayment: granting financial freedom to families

No child dreams of spending a lifetime working in a brick kiln. No one wants to spend long hours laboring in shockingly dangerous conditions, developing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases from the smoke and dust. No one hopes to become enslaved by massive loans they have no chance of paying off. No one plans on passing their debt down to their children and their children’s children. But for too many impoverished Christians, this fate seems unavoidable. 

Javed Boota has worked as a brick kiln laborer for 22 years. Although he began working at a brick kiln at the age of 10, he fell into debt after he and his wife took out loans to cover the costs of childbirth and raising their two children. But when brick kilns close for the monsoon season, leaving the couple unable to work, their debt swells.

Our partners worked with brick kiln owners to verify and pay off the debts of 32 enslaved Pakistani Christian families like the Boota family, ensuring their freedom and allowing them to start anew. This immediate intervention alleviated financial stress and restored dignity and hope to these families. By addressing the root cause of their financial struggles, the project laid a foundation for sustainable economic growth. 

“The constant worry about repaying this debt led to high blood pressure and depression,” Javed said. “Through these struggles, our faith has been our strength. This support has not only helped us clear our debts but has also opened a path to greater financial stability. We are now looking forward to a future where we can provide a better life for our children and secure their education, all while living free from the weight of debt.” 

Small business management training: blessings of stability

Thanks to your generosity, the 32 families we freed could attend two hands-on small business management training workshops. These sessions were specifically designed to meet their needs and equip them with the essential skills and knowledge needed to establish and manage small businesses successfully. 

These families can now reduce their reliance on brick kiln work, which can be scarce during the intense monsoon season. They are now able to cover basic needs, pay utility bills and invest in their children’s education in a way they could not before.  

“These programs provided me with valuable insights and skills to secure a stable future for my family,” said Mohsin Masih, a father of four who has labored in a brick kiln for 10 years. Mohsin started a business selling fruit and can earn a steady income. “This business has not only alleviated our financial struggles but has also instilled a sense of independence and hope,” he added.  

Razzaq Masih and his wife Arooj are both brick kiln laborers and often felt overwhelming stress as a result of their debt. But having their debt paid off and learning from the business management training sessions have given them hope for a brighter future. 

“It has given me the confidence to keep moving forward, knowing that with hard work and the right support, we can achieve a better and brighter future,” Razzaq said. “My family and I are excited to be on the path toward financial stability and hope for a life free from the struggles of debt.”  

Business materials and equipment: giving practical assistance

In addition to practical training, these formerly enslaved Pakistani Christian families received essential and high-quality equipment needed to help them sustain their businesses and break their cycles of poverty. These materials were thoughtfully selected to match each family’s specific business needs and skills. 

 Sharafat Sharif, a father of three, received a rickshaw, as did 17 other families. He shared that his income has increased significantly thanks to his new business. 

“The rickshaw became an invaluable source of alternative income, allowing us to earn consistently, even during the monsoon season,” Sharafat said. “For the first time, we can plan for a future free of financial struggles. We can now afford better nutrition and pay for utility bills without worry. Seeing [my children] Sahil, Sagar and Sahib studying with the promise of brighter futures fills our hearts with immense gratitude and joy.” 

Other families were given donkey carts, equipment necessary to sell produce and sewing machines. Many breadwinners reported relief in being able to have a steady source of income to provide for their families. 

Health and awareness sessions: teaching for better lives 

These families also enjoyed sessions on financial management, marriage, health and education. These sessions addressed critical challenges faced by the community, promoting informed decision-making and personal development. 

“These sessions opened my eyes to sustainable practices and better planning for our family’s future,” said Umar Daraz, who took out loans to cover medical treatments for himself and his wife, as well as living expenses for his four children.

“Our family is thriving and I am determined to provide my children with the education and opportunities they deserve. We are deeply grateful for this second chance to build a better future.”

Seminars also promoted spiritual growth and strengthened the bonds of this Christian community. They even observed Christmas together, rejoicing in their newfound freedom as they celebrated the joy and eternal freedom that follow the birth of our Savior. 

Akram Masih said that with the debt relief and rickshaw he received, he is now able to provide a steady income for his family, which includes his wife Rubina and their four-year-old son, Arslan. 

“Our faith, which has always been our anchor, now strengthens our sense of purpose and responsibility to make the most of this second chance,” Akram said. “Our prayers were answered. We are deeply thankful.” 

Hopeful futures for formerly enslaved Pakistani Christian families

Behind each of these stories—of insurmountable debt following medical and family emergencies, of years of hard labor and of long days with little income to show for it—is a son or daughter of Christ whose prayers have finally been answered. These 32 families are comprised of 129 people who have experienced God’s blessings and will go on to bless others in ways only He can know.

We are grateful for your generosity and your continued partnership. We ask for your prayers as these 32 families begin living their new stories—and for the 18 families awaiting liberation. Thank you for empowering them to live dignified lives out of debt and in freedom for the first time.

About the author
Chandler Peterson is a writer and editor for Global Christian Relief where she shares stories of Christian persecution. Read the latest Christian persecution stories on our website and learn more at GlobalChristianRelief.org.