Pakistan #4 - Portrait of success: generational transformation in the name of Jesus Christ
“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done…that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God but keep his commandments” (Ps 78:4-7).
Our November visit to Pakistan with Presbyterian Education Board (PEB) did not come about easily, but nothing in Pakistan is easy. Systemic instability created by a chaotic political climate and questions regarding the spread of potential violence arising from the war in Gaza caused both us and PEB leaders to consider postponing the visit. However, it was determined we should go. We were energized to be with those boys and girls whose lives are being transformed through the gospel on account of PEB’s dedicated staff. Let’s show up, again.
The occasion for this visit was to celebrate the 25th anniversary of denationalization, when the government returned education to private entities. People refer to the period of nationalization as “the dark ages.” Yet out of this darkness, the Spirit brought forth gospel-bearing light, called PEB, out of a poor village called Sangla Hill. From here, current Executive Director Veda Javaid’s mother dared to dream for a path for girls to find a voice in Pakistan. Veda has followed this path faithfully, and she has delivered. And we can make this story part of our own!
PEB’s exclusive focus is to provide a higher quality of education soaked with Christian values, available both for Christians and the majority population. Twenty-five years later, a portrait of success has bloomed with 25 boys and girls schools, 4 boarding schools, an orphanage, and a girl’s academy that even the elite in Pakistan regard as Pakistan’s education dream for their children.
How do you measure PEB’s success? Our team had the opportunity to explore this question with Veda. We heard testimonies from a woman who has gone from brick kiln poverty to being an RN at one of Pakistan’s leading hospitals. Two of PEB’s principals shared their stories of flourishing that began in PEB nearly 20 years ago. Javeria, a master’s student at University, who is tutoring PEB girls in science, shared her story with us.
I come from a Christian family in Pasrur and they sent me to a Catholic school. However, since there was no education beyond grade 5 in that school I had to go to a government school. I had to hide my faith and whenever I did try to speak about God in the right way, the teachers shamed me and told me I was wrong. Then a miracle happened and I was able to attend PEB. The difference between the government school and this school is like night and day. It is joyful here, there it is not. In PEB, I could celebrate and learn more about my faith, and students shared openly about Jesus among our Muslim friends. There we had to hide and we were afraid. This place is happy and shows us that love and compassion are the ways to treat each other.
Yet sometimes PEB measures success step-by-step, generationally even. The sad truth is that in Pakistan girls are property, even for Christians. Marrying them young is the only option for a family to survive and to pay off generational debt. Having walked through impoverished villages where Christians live on the low side where water gathers and flies are so thick you can breathe them in, I have learned not to judge so harshly. We cannot change this reality for them, but we pray that in God’s provision, it will change. And we walk side-by-side with PEB to work toward fulfilling that prayer. Please Holy Spirit bring people to them who will remember your people and lift them up.
For such families, PEB measures success one generation at a time. Veda Javaid relayed this story to us. One girl in Sangla Hill was able to reach sixth grade — step one. Then the family decided she needed to be married. The principal made every attempt to dissuade this decision but to no avail. The good news was that since she graduated from the PEB school, her “value” increased significantly. She married much higher up the social ladder in the community — step two. She had a boy and a girl who attended that same PEB school — step three. Both children made it to the tenth grade, and they tested into college (grades 11-12) — step four. The boy went on to University and is studying to be a lawyer — step five. The family decided for the girl to marry, but now was even higher on the social ladder and lives in a big city — step six. Both are Christian and will be positioned to make a positive difference in Pakistan into the next generation. What made this possible? One faithful donor.
There is an incredible opportunity before us in Pakistan, #7 on the list of countries where Christians face the most severe forms of persecution. The cost for a year’s worth of education at the PEB schools is just over $1/day ($400). The boarding schools are twice this investment. Boarding schools are havens of justice and peace reserved for girls and boys from single-parent homes who have no options other than to enter a life of indentured slavery in brick kilns, be trafficked in some other form, or live on the streets begging. In the name of Jesus Christ, PEB takes these children and gives them a faith-based platform on which they can stand.
Providing scholarships is an easy process. Simply send funds to The Outreach Foundation designated “PEB scholarships.”
The next PEB visit
In March 2024, PEB is hosting another visit to their schools in Pakistan. The Outreach Foundation highly recommends this experience to anyone interested. PEB makes our security their priority. Accommodations are at the secure PEB guesthouse. Visits highlight stories and activities of the children as well as help us understand the Muslim majority context and the intentional approach Christians take to be light-bearers there. For more information please contact Tom Boone at tom@theoutreachfoundation.org.
