We're Home!

We are going to try to summarize a jam packed 2 weeks. If you want to know even more, we'd be happy to meet or talk with any of you or answer any questions you might have. Don’t hesitate to ask!

General Facts

- Working for the Kingdom: There is ratio of 1 Jesus follower trying to bless to 3.4 million Pak. people.

-In a city of a million we realized one day as we prayed that we might very well be the only followers of Jesus in that place.

-Places of heartbreaking poverty—we visited a team in Karachi that works among 6 sq. km that is home to 1.5 million people. We girls got to visit the small home of one family and talk to a young woman who is the only income for her family.

-Strategic location—Pak. is surrounded by major countries that could be used to help mobilize workers into into these two closed countries.

Persons of Peace

Luke 10 speaks of persons of peace, and we prayed much for them. Of course, God answered way beyond our expectations! There were many examples, but specifically two men in particular really had a huge impact on our travels. We met the first a few minutes after we set foot in the first town we were to explore on our own. It was evening time in the middle of nowhere still scorching hot. (approx. 100 degrees) All we saw were signs for was a rent-a-car service, no taxis…uh oh. We’re all wondering what is next as our leader Andy K. starts talking to people.

As it happened, Andy met the owner of the car service who agreed to drive us around the next few days and he spoke great English! The bigger blessing was that he was able to get us around to all the places we wanted to see, including a university where we had one of our first interactions with women. In so many ways, our time there was blessed by him, and we were able to accomplish so much through his help.

Soheel, Ashgar, and Andy

In our next city, God blessed us even more…though it was a little more interesting meeting this man of peace. We arrived at the guesthouse that we were connected to by the owner in Karachi to find a broken generator and really hot rooms. Since we were Americans who couldn’t take the 110 degree heat without any fans or AC, we decided to relocate and went to the guesthouse nearby. This is of course when we met the owner Shahid who practically was family by the end of our 3 days there. He gave us rides places, had his son and wife help us shop, invited us to his home, had his wife cook for us, and met some of his extended family! Not to mention we had a guide in his 11 year old son.

Our 11 year old guide-Shahid's son, Hanan

Lead by the Spirit

Another huge aspect of this trip was the fact that we really had to rely on the Spirit to show us next steps. The first day we arrived in Islamabad we were faced with the choice to attempt to go to Gilgit (the northern city) or go south to Karachi. Flights to Gilgit were backed up at least 2 days. After some discussion we all thought God was telling us to visit the team in Karachi, who expressed definite interest in having us. Later we found out there were problems in Gilgit and it wouldn't have been a great place for us at the time. So God shut that door for a reason and led us to a great couple and minstry that focus's on the Baloch people in an area of extreme poverty.

They helped us with a lot of basic information in the country. We also got to hear of all they are doing in that portion of the country and through a connection of their’s we were still able to get the Farleys time to meet with a couple who will be going to the northern areas. This just happened to give us some awesome coolness in the mountains on our last day which was amazing after days in the heat and sweating profusely.

Last day in the cool mountain air :) Of course drinking tea!

Everyday, God showed us what He wanted us to do, sometimes by our mistakes. We thought we were going to visit a university one day, but ended up at a primary school closed for the summer! They showed us into the principal’s office which had to be one of the most awkward moments ever because it was so stiff and official…standing straight up and silent. He then invited us to tea after our tour of the empty campus. When we got back, we ended up having a great conversation. He answered every question we asked very honestly and intelligently and spoke better English than we did! Talk about God answering prayers. We just asked for English speakers, and He gives a man that had the kingdom in his eyes!

The principal in action

In the next town, we ended up in KFC just because it was close to our guesthouse and ended up meeting so many people. The guys in particular got to make many contacts in the city just from KFC. Who’d have thought the center of the city was KFC? God definitely led us to some interesting places that’s for sure. Zanzabar anyone?!?

Some of the men that were so eager to practice their English.

Reaching Out to Women

A big prayer of ours was that we would be able to meet and get into the lives of women. At times we doubted that God would provide as we struggled in a culture where women have a very different role. The epitome of our frustration could be summarized when we were walking up a street in Multan and I could estimate seeing 1 woman among 200 men.

But God answered despite our doubt and discouragement, we were able to have a great discussion at the university with two women about culture and what they value. I was able to speak a little truth in the conversation in sharing the story of Jesus’ two greatest commands of loving God and one another.

Women at the university

Janessa, also got into a conversation with a woman at the bus station (another answered prayer as we were praying that God would use us during the traveling/sitting times) The woman said it was her and her father’s dream that she become a doctor, so that she could go back to the village she is from. She said it is a problem in many villages that women cannot get care because there are no female health care workers there. (Women are not allowed to see a male Doctor)

We were also completely blessed to talk to several women on one of our last days first when we went to a park and then with Shahid’s family. The ladies had a great conversation with a young woman in the park. It was great because I felt that she really opened up to us, but it hurt to hear that something she struggled with most is loneliness. Janessa shared with her that when we feel lonely, to remember Jesus’ promise that He will be with us always and never forsake us. Sadly, this is how many women there may feel.

Me, Shabnum, and her cousin who made our time in the park awesome!

On a lighter note though, we got to see the liveliness of women through Shahid’s sisters. They spoke great English, and I particularly enjoyed them since they were downright hilarious. It was encouraging to see these different sides of women in the culture as we struggled with feeling as though they did not really have a personal identity. God again answered prayer!

Those spunky ladies, the life of the party

Thanks so much for all your prayers and support of this trip. As you can see, God answered our prayers and then some! Keep praying for these people, that God would provide workers for this ripe harvest. When we ask, He answers! Please scroll down to the June 15th posting. Read through the prayer requests again and praise the Lord because he answered EVERY ONE OF THEM!!!!!!!
We went and visited G'ma Meade yesterday, she looked great but needed to take a nap while we were there.