Chinese Missionaries in Pakistan | 310 | Report 22

Lessons in Mandarin could become compulsory for schoolchildren in parts of Pakistan under ambitious plans to capitalise on the growing influence of Chinese companies. 2011 was declared the year of Pakistan-Chinese friendship. Education authorities in Sindh Province say the plan to make Mandarin compulsory in schools for children aged 10 and 11. Commercial and cultural ties with China have grown, as China’s regional and economic influence grows, and as relations between Pakistan and the US turn sour.

As Pakistan continues to improve links with China, a growing number of Chinese Christians are moving there to do trade, set up business and, in some cases to go consciously as crosscultural missionaries. The cultural barriers are formidable and they need much training.

But God seems to be opening the doors to Chinese missionaries when the situation for Western Christian workers is becoming increasingly difficult. Pakistan is not the only country to take up Mandarin or Cantonese as China’s economic growth transforms world trade. In July 2011, Sweden announced that all primary schools would offer Chinese classes within 10 years.

Source: OMF – Global Chinese Ministries; Revival Media

BIBLE STUDY: Mark 13:1-8

PRAISE: God for the opportunities open to the Chinese Church. Pray that they may clearly perceive the missionary vision to which God is calling them. 

Pakistan: Christians are Witnessing! | 31st Jan 2010

“I belong to a Muslim family”, says Irfan L: “In 1998 I accepted Jesus Christ and became a believer. After Salvation I attended Bible seminary at FGA Bible College, Lahore, in 2006. Now I’m working for God as FGA Church Pastor in Abottabad, (NWFP), Pakistan. God is using me for His work and Glory especially among Afghan Refugees. I do Evangelism among Muslims and distribute Bibles and Christian Literature to them. Running two Evening Schools for 25 Afghan Refugees children, who work in day time and get education in evening.”

Source: Short Notes-mailing

BIBLE STUDY: Psalm 44:20-22

PRAISE: God His work progresses in spite of trials.

Pakistan: Christians are Witnessing! | 31st Dec 09

“I belong to a Muslim family”, says Irfan L: “In 1998 I accepted Jesus Christ and became a believer. After Salvation I attended Bible seminary at FGA Bible College, Lahore, in 2006. Now I’m working for God as FGA Church Pastor in Abottabad, (NWFP), Pakistan. God is using me for His work and Glory especially among Afghan Refugees. I do Evangelism among Muslims and distribute Bibles and Christian Literature to them. Running two Evening Schools for 25 Afghan Refugees children, who work in day time and get education in evening.”

Source: Short Notes-mailing

BIBLE STUDY: Psalm 44:20-22

PRAISE: God His work progresses in spite of trials.

Five Christians Acquitted in Pakistan | 3

Five Christians charged with “blasphemy” against Islam during April 2007 religious holidays were released in January. Their acquittal and release came through out-of-court meetings between Muslim leaders and a Christian organization.

“This is a wonderful sign that has made history,” said Shahzad Kamran, a case worker for Sharing Life Ministries Pakistan (SLMP), which negotiated with the Muslim leaders. “This case can set a precedent for future blasphemy cases against Christians.” Rather than attempt to settle the matter in court, the legal advocacy group sought out Muslim leaders directly to persuade them that the accused were innocent; the Islamic clerics then compelled area Muslims to drop their charges.

The case began over a quarrel between the 12 year old younger brother of one of the accused and a Muslim child named Sunny. In the course of the argument, a sticker fell off Sunny’s shirt that bore the words Yah Rasool Allah, a reference to Muhammad as God’s messenger. The Christian children were accused of blasphemy, violence soon broke out, and police eventually arrested the five men on charges of insulting Islam. But, through the mediation, the Islamic clergymen agreed to issue a fatwa declaring the accused men innocent of blasphemy. The Muslim witnesses withdrew their testimony, and the District Judge acquitted the fi ve men.

The legal advocates involved in the case said they would employ reconciliation in future cases of false blasphemy charges. They said that battling such cases in court can still free innocent people, but it does not help to solve sectarian strife that leads to violence and false charges.

Source: Compass Direct News

PRAISE: God for the peaceful resolution of this case. Pray this will strengthen peace between communities.