As we draw near to the anniversary of the Quetta Church terror attack (tomorrow) we provide an update to our regular supporters.
We supported 13 families with funeral fees and provided 18 families with medical costs until compensation was received from the Government.
We have continued to support a young child who was 18 months old at the time and lost a limb because compensation does not cover her ongoing needs.
Our Quetta officer Pastor Adil attended a memorial event held at Bethel Memorial Methodist Church today. Despite fear of a further attack at the church
parishioners still resolutely attend services and this year the Government stepped up security around the church. Numerous Pakistani rangers and army
officers ensured today’s service went without hitch.
Bishop Sadiq Daniel and Pastor Simon Yacoob led the service of around 200 visitors, which included a one minute silence to the victims and a
candlelight vigil.
The vigil is prepared for visitors
Pastor Adil said:
“Though we will never forget the impact of the attack Christians decorated the church with zeal and worshipped God for all his small mercies.
“Those who lost family members wept but also rejoiced that those lost are now in heaven.
“We sang our carols exuberantly as we remembered Christ who came that we might all now have access to the kingdom heaven.”
In recent years due to several church and Christian community attacks in the area, Quetta is still regarded as one of the most dangerous places in
Pakistan to be a Christian. Parishioners have asked for the international church to pray for them.
The youngest Quetta church attack survivor, an active young girl named Aleeza, has endured a year of therapy and prosthetic fittings adapting
to life without her leg which was lost in the brutal attack of the Quetta Church last year (click here).
Initially there were some serious concerns about infection and we needed to seek treatment for her at Aga Khan Hospital, then after her leg healed
the stump needed to be prepared to take the artificial limb.
Now the youngster has outgrown her last artificial limb and we have bought her a new one which will need to be upgraded with another artificial limb
every 5 months to accommodate for her growth. Her parents are happy and relieved to see their daughter developing well and living a more normal life
with her new limb.
Aleeza’s Mother shared with BPCA officer that Aleeza is far from stationary; loves walking and she engages in active play all day . It is hard to keep
her still now after having felt the limitation and loss of her leg she is now becoming very proficient at using it. Her mother described her feelings
about the treatment and her daughters recovery. She said:
“It is hard to describe my joy at knowing that Aleeza can live a normal life with the help of an artificial leg. I was hopeless before when the incident took place and thought maybe Aleeza would never have the opportunity to develop like other children.
“By the Grace of God and efforts of BPCA, Aleeza can walk and enjoy life as a normal child. Her next limb upgrading will happen in March or April depending on how fast Aleeza grows and I am praying you all continue your support – I thank all of you.”
Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the British Pakistani Christian Association, said:
“Four attacks targetting Christians in Quetta have led to great anxiety amongst the Christians of Quetta, but that has not deterred even one parishioner from worshipping at churches in the area.
“Government security details at all churches in the city are providing a much needed confidence booster, but with so much animosity towards Christians after the release of Asia Bibi it remains to be seen if the Christmas period will complete without incident.
“It is not just churches in Quetta that are fearful and we call on the global body of Christians to remember our Pakistani brothers and sisters during the holy period.
“The birth of Christ was the beginning of our faith and on the symbolic date we worship this watershed moment millions of Christians in Pakistan will fill the hundreds of churches in the country. Nothing can stop their fervour for God especially at this season when his name is honoured across the world.”
The family of Aleeza will need our ongoing support for the costs of changing limbs and medical check-ups for Aleeza for the foreseeable future, we estimate the cost of each £400. If you would like to help with these ongoing medical costs please click the link below.
British Pakistani Christian Association, continues to provide advocacy and humanitarian aid to Christians in Pakistan and the Pak-Christian diaspora. We cannot do it without your help please donate by clicking (here).
The Quetta church is filled with worshippers on the Anniversary of last year’s attack
Carols are sung with thanksgiving and reflection
