MY ACCOUNT
This year, we shared story after story of families trapped in the brick kilns of Pakistan—and how your generosity freed 200 Christian families from bonded labor.
We celebrated with Maryam and her family as they reflected on one year of freedom and looked to the future with hope. We rejoiced with Raheel, Ruth, and their four children as they thanked God for newfound freedom. And now, we remember the spirit of the Christmas season with impoverished Pakistani Christians. Thanks to you, these widows and children commemorated Christmas in Pakistan and remembered the birth of our Savior with joy.
Blessing Widows During the Holidays
God’s heart for widows and orphans is revealed throughout Scripture. As Psalm 68:5 says, “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” In Isaiah 1:17, the Lord issues this command: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
With your help, 150 widows and their children in brick kiln communities received special gifts of food items. These families, marginalized Christians who are often in vulnerable situations, experienced extra joy as they observed Easter and Christmas in Pakistan with their brothers and sisters in Christ.
Food packages distributed to families in brick kiln communities
These packages contained flour, sugar, rice, tea, oil, and other basics. Recipients also enjoyed a time of prayer, devotion, and celebration, remembering the birth of Christ, His death, and his Resurrection.
Arooj, a 25-year-old mother, lost her husband in an accident. With no financial means to support herself and her four children, she received a sewing machine from one of GCR’s (Global Christian Relief) partners in Pakistan.
“It has become a lifeline for me and my family, helping us meet our daily needs,” Arooj says.
She adds that she was encouraged by the gifts she received during a difficult season.
“The food packages gifted during Christmas and Easter mean so much to us,” she says. “These are special times when children look forward to celebration, and as a mother, I never want to disappoint them. These gifts bring joy and save essential expenses. I am deeply thankful to you for remembering us during these occasions.”
Maya, a widowed mother who owns a small shop, says that she is not always able to make ends meet for herself and her daughter.
"The Christmas food package was a tremendous blessing, helping to ease some of these financial burdens," she says. "It reminded me of God’s provision and the comfort of knowing we are not alone during difficult times.”
John, a student at a school in Pakistan run by GCR's partners
Children Celebrate Christmas in Pakistan
Many children in brick kiln communities attend schools run by partners of GCR. Each year, they celebrate Christmas in Pakistan with decorations, singing, and a Christmas program.
“One of my favorite parts is going door to door with candles in our hands, praying and singing carols together,” says John, a child attending one such school.
John played the angel Gabriel in the school Christmas play. He memorized Matthew 1:21, his favorite Bible verse, for the play: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”
Along with his family, John celebrates Christmas all December long.
“When the month of December begins, my parents, my siblings, and I start preparing and celebrating together, making every day of the season joyful and memorable,” John says. “On the night of December 24, we attend a special prayer service at our church.”
Mehak, a student at a school in Pakistan run by GCR's partners
Mehak, another student, lives in what she describes as a “small, humble home” with her mother and siblings. Their mother works as a housemaid, providing for their family ever since their father passed away.
“Even though we face many challenges, we hold tightly to faith, especially when Christmas draws near,” Mehak says.
Mehak says that she finds Christmas to be the most beautiful time of the year. She and her siblings participate in their church’s Christmas program, singing carols, reading from the Bible, and celebrating Christ’s birth.
“Those small acts make me feel like I’m giving something back to God, who continues to bless us even in hard times,” Mehak says. “Our church pastor usually reminds us and encourages through sermons that joy doesn’t come from what we own, but from the love we share. He shares messages of humility, simplicity, and harmony that we see in the birth of Jesus."
Turn your calendar into a window to the world Walk through Advent with the persecuted church
This year, invite your family to see Advent through the eyes of believers in India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Egypt, Iraq, and more. Our free Advent guide gives you a simple daily rhythm—one verse, one story, one prayer—that fits right into your existing calendar. In just a few minutes a day, you can help your kids meet Jesus and remember brothers and sisters who follow Him at great cost.
