An Asian Church based in Ilford for over 30 years was presented with two awards via the BPCA for their amazing service to their local community and the
UK Pakistani diaspora. The church has became an example to Asian Christian churches across the UK in it’s remarkable attitude towards bringing
unity amongst our diaspora.
BPCA Chairman Wilson Chowdhry attended their Christmas Day service which had over 200 visitors and the church has an extremely regular congregation
of around 70 people and growing.
Their contribution to the local community has been immense through some of the most riveting performances at Redbridge Easter Parade and Redbridge
Christmas Festival 2017 and also contributing images and some text that was included within Redbridge Museum’s exhibition on Independence
for the British Raj at Valentines Mansion. The miniature display boards produced highlighted the existence and productivity of Pakistani Christians
in Redbridge. This was important as it was the only occasion a UK borough council or city acknowledged the existence of Pakistani Christians
during any Pakistan Independence day exhibitions across the nation.
Hannah Chowdhry, a long term volunteer for BPCA presented the awards during the Christmas service and Wilson Chowdhry said a prayer for the victims
of the Quetta Methodist Church attack. Here is the script that Hannah read out:
BPCA Community Awards
The first award we are presenting is to Ilford Asian Church Choir for their wonderful efforts and performances at Redbridge Easter Parade and the
Christmas Festival.
At the Easter Parade your choir team performed immaculately. They had a wonderful range of instruments which complimented their beautiful voices.
The result of which was the most stirring performance of the event which was a great prelude to the speech by the Third Minister of the Pakistan Embassy.
Moreover the performance illustrated to wider Redbridge people the vigour and passion that is exhibited in Urdu worship.
When the Ilford Asian Church Dholl players joined at the rear of the Easter procession, they created the biggest talking point of the event and created
a wonderful cultural extravaganza.
At Redbridge Christmas Festival the manner in which the Ilford Asian Choir were present from the beginning to the end of the event was duly noted
and appreciated. Their vocal performance at the end of the event capped things off in style and displayed the great diversity of God’s church
Well done one and all.
Hannah Chowdhry presents trophy to ……Leader of Ilford Asian Church Choir
The second award is presented to Ilford Asian Church’s dynamic leader Shaheen Zar for his efforts in galvanizing Pakistani Christians together.
Pakistani Christians are normally very divided however those attending this wonderful church break the mould.
When our first venue was cancelled Shaheen organised use of St Andrew’s Church for the second anniversary event held for martyr Shahbaz Bhatti.
Despite late notice he also ensured our Easter event and Christmas events had Ilford Asian Church participation and ensured the church contributed
magnificently.
He also helped contribute towards the return of the Ilford Nativity scene at the Town Hall steps fulfilling the desire of 83% of those polled by the
Ilford Recorder.
His commitment to initiating and leading Ilford Asian Church has made it one of the largest if not the largest Urdu church in London. BPCA are proud
to have been able to work with such a passionate and dedicated Christian stalwart.
Hannah Chowdhry presents trophy to Shaheen Zar
A congregation of at least 200 were at the Ilford Asian Church Christmas celebration
A wonderful nativity play was organised by the Sunday School
Revd Rana Youab Rana former PA to the Archbishop of Canterbury and now newly posted at a church in Wales presided over the service.