A Muslim community not far from Pakistan’s worst attack on a Chistian community have sought to help their fellow Pakistani citizens by assisting Christians
in raising funds for a church.
In 2009 the city of Gojra became a fiery furnace after 9 people including a bridegroom and bride were shot dead during a wedding ceremony. 200
homes and 3 churches were razed to the ground by a 5000 strong mob, who attacked the innocent Christian community after local mosques called
for retaliation to an alleged blasphemy. After the attack local police discredited the false allegation that torn shreds of the Quran had been
used as confetti at a wedding. This singular event which impacted on Christians across the globe triggered the start of many Pakistani Christian
campaign groups, including the British Pakistani Christian Association.
There are only 35 Christian families in the village now known as 143GB formerly known as Kaksabad. Sadly all the poor Christians are bonded labourers
earning a pittance as they struggle to pay off measly loans with extortionate interest, for the entirety of their lives. Inevitably their children
will be locked into the very same slavery contract. Despite their disenfranchised existence, Christians in the village are passionate about Christ
and look to Him for their daily salvation and sustenance. As their community has grown over time, so has a desire for a church building to act as a
focal point for Christian worship, learning, prayers and fellowship. However, the finance for a church has never materialized due to poor finance.
In this community however Muslims have been moved by the plight of their fellow citizens, and they are helping Christians raise funds to build a church
in the area. Land has been donated by a Christian donor, Bashiraan Bibi widow of a Mr David Masih had no children and her husbands desire was
that their home be converted to a church for the growing Christian community. The size of land is 3 Marla (1 marla = 25sq meters) and the
local Christians have agreed to ensure Bashiraan is housed in a private room in the church until the facility is no longer needed.
During an election campaign recognizing the plight of poor Christians and moved by the donation of Bashiraan a Muslim politician Ijaz Farooq,
publicly demanded the community help build a church. Whether for political support or generosity Mr Farooq donated 30,000 Pak-rupees (£200) to
help initiate construction. Since then other local Muslims challenged by the generosity of Mr Farooq have also donated money, building materials and
time to help the deprived Christian community.
and brought Muslims and Christians together has won the hearts of many people. Hadyat Masih, a local Christian leader said:
“In providing a sizeable donation and bringing two communities together, Ijaz Farooq has shown he is a man of compassion and love. His acceptance of people of other faith is rare in a country where so many choose hatred. We are fortunate in this community, as despite different faiths we have grown up together and not in separate enclaves which has developed cohesiveness. I hope this story will make other people realize that fighting over our differences only causes hurt and pain.”
The construction of the church has developed somewhat and already walls have gone up without a roof which has cost £1500. Due to paucity
of funds they have not been able to progress much further and would liek to eventually complete a large hall with stage area that serve as a
nave for the church services. We have donated £100 to the project and hope to raise further funds to support this wonderful kingdom work.
Pastor Khalid Aftab, said:
“I pray that we complete this church we have had to use different homes for services but our congregation has grown beyond the capacity of such places. We pray that Christians abroad help us raise the finance that we might build a church building to give glory to God.”
Some newspapers have reported that a previous church was destroyed in floods. This is incorrect as there was no previous church and no need for one till the community grew to the current size.
These hard working beleaguered Christians are calling for donations to help them complete the work. The entire project will cost £8000 and the local villagers have asked the BPCA to coordinate an appeal for them. If you would like to donate to this project please (click here). Please reference your donations ‘Churches for villages
On the behest of the church our Officer Kanwal Amar a former Tehsil Councillor spoke about the great vision of the church on an ARY news interview
and Duniya TV. After visiting, he said:
“The aim of the church is to reach out to people and share the love of Christ. Local Christians believe that the new church building which already has the semblance of acceptance from local Muslims, could be a great opportunity for Muslim’s to learn about the Christian faith and a chance for Christians to dispel myths.”
Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the BPCA, said:
“This remarkable unity and camaraderie shown by Muslims towards Christians provides a glimmer of hope. The basic desire for people is to live in security and safety and this small Christian community have the backing of their Muslim peers, which has developed great morale. Many of the Muslim’s believe that Christians worship the same God. This is not an ideological position held by the local Christians, however they share the principle that God created all people equal and that He asks us to love one another irrespective of our differences.”
Gate of potential new church
Building work has begun
Syed Muzammal Hussain a local Muslim helps build church.
ARY TV filming progress of Church
Kanwal Amar being interviewd by ARY TV
Professor Anjum Paul and Kanwal Amar
Local Christians with ARY News Reporter and Pastor Khalid Aftab and 
Kanwal Amar, Bashiraan Bibi and Pastor Khalid Aftab
Excited local Christians
The Community grateful for BPCA donation which we hope to increase to help complete church.