The twin bomb attack in Yohanabad, Lahore was both demoralising and debilitating. The explosions, one in a Catholic church and the other in a protestant church, took the lives of 29 innocent Christians and injured a further 80 creating great turmoil amongst locals.
Some victims of twin bomb attack were miraculously saved. One of these was Qaisor Pervaiz who received 85% burns to his body, and was expected to never escape the coma he found himself in, after grappling with the suicide bomber in an attempt to save the lives of others. This heroic self-sacrificial Christian is now alive despite being within one metre of the explosion, due mainly to the bravery of his less fortunate colleague who buffered Qaisor’s body from the impact (click here for more details). Qaisor praises the sacrifice his friend made for all the victims but is somewhat emotionally scarred that he was so much more fortunate than the man who saved his life. However, he thanks God daily that despite his near-death experience he will be around to see his children grow up.
On Wednesday 26th August 2015 I visited Qaisor Pervaiz and his family to see how our support for them was taking affect. Thanks to the generosity of our donors we have now been able cover their rent, groceries, Qaisor’s medical treatment and the cost of schooling for their daughter Sitaish.
As I entered their house, I sensed their happiness through the vivacious eyes of the children who had recently received toys and books from a donor family. This family felt inspired to go beyond giving financially and have reached out to the Christian hero whose miraculous recovery, despite a 20 day coma, speaks intensely of God’s protection and power to heal. This family are building a relationship with Qaisor and his family and believe his testimony should be shared globally. The BPCA agrees wholeheartedly and we plan to share Qaisor’s testimony by video so others too might revel in the love of our Lord and Saviour.
Qaisor said:
“The love that donors have showed for us is remarkable and very deep, we cannot express our gratitude. God has used his global church to help his suffering people in Pakistan and that has strengthened our conviction and faith immensely. We have always trusted in God but He has given us more than we could ever have hoped for, may His name be praised forever.”
He added:
“Sitaish was really excited about the gifts received from our long distance donors, the very next day she took them to school to show them to her friends. That a family in the UK could have such love for my family and I makes me very emotional. I will pray for that family every day of my life and hope one day to meet them in person so I can thank them in real life.”
I was moved to tears when Qaisor’s wife Samina Ayub told me that her daughter had asked about me several times saying: ’Mama when sister Mehwish will come?’’ She had also been praying for me and the work of the BPCA and when we got the chance to meet she hugged me tightly. People often ask me why I do this work and my response is simply that I feel called by God. That is the primary reason for my commitment, but touching moments such as the relationships I have built with grateful victims, and the love of children such as Sitiash and Cornelius does add glitter to work that is often dangerous and arduous.
During my visit to Qaisor’s home I observed he has made good progess in his recovery. He is still having regular treatment, but has a lot more self confidence as his health has improved. He has learned to cope with his scars and is less pessimistic about his future. The whole family is grateful to all donors for helping with this necessary financial support, especially for covering the costs of his medical treatment.
Qaisor’s wife Samina told me that their son Cornelius is still suffering with a fever which they are extremely worried about as Dengue Fever is rife in the area. I have urged them to take Cornelius to the local doctor and have assured them that the BPCA will cover these costs.
When I asked about Sataish’s educaton, I was so pleased to hear that she has now started school. The couple are grateful for the help from the BPCA as before we stepped in they could not pay the school fees and had no choice but to keep her at home.
Samina Ayub said:
“Due to her father’s medical condition Sataish was very upset and she was very reluctant to go school, but now as she sees her father getting better day by day she is increasing in confidence and is extremely encouraged. She is now enjoying her studies and progressing well.”
We praise God for all answered prayer so far for this remarkable family and we ask that you will continue with us in praying:
Qaisor and his family will continue to heal both physically and emotionally from this attack
Sitaish will continue to enjoy school and do well
Cornelius will be well and healed of all sickness
There are many more victims of the Lahore bomb attacks 15th March 2015 and the Peshawar bomb attack 22nd September 2013 who still need help. We aim to provide hope and help to as many innocent Christian victims, targeted simply because they worship our Lord Jesus Christ, as we can. But we can’t do it without you.
Please consider giving to our work for the innocent. Donations can be sent using these bank details:
Sort Code: 20-44-22
Account number: 43163318
Bank: Barclays
SWIFTBIC: BARCGB22
Cheques should be made payable to the BPCA to our address: 57 Green Lane, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1XG.
Thank you.
With your support we hope to change the lives of millions of Christians in Pakistan.