Presbyterian Education Board (PEB) — October 2023 Update
Lahore, Pakistan
STORIES OF PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION
When Saba* was very young, her mother got sick. Her father, a brick kiln worker, took out a loan to pay for the medical bills. Then her brother got injured and couldn’t work so the bills stacked up. When it became clear that they weren’t going to be able to pay anymore, the landlord that they had borrowed from came and told them that he would forgive the loan if Saba was given to him to marry. She was 11, he was over 50. Her parents took her to one of the PEB boarding houses and asked them to keep her there so she would be safe and not forced into marriage. She studied on scholarship, graduated, went on to nursing school, and took a job in the Middle East that paid well. She then paid off her parents' debt. Saba is now married with two children who are attending school.
Elishba* was from a small village and was raised in a home with parents with less than an elementary school education and a father who was unable to hold a job because of drinking and gambling. Her mother wanted more for her and her sister, so she sent them to one of the PEB schools to study. She and her sister and brother were educated there on scholarships. She has now graduated, from high school and also from university. She has a career and is able to send money home to help her younger siblings finish their education.
*names have been changed due to security concerns
WHY ARE THESE STORIES INCREDIBLE?
In countries where Christians are openly persecuted, Pakistan is ranked #7 by Open Doors. The population of Christians there is nearly 2% and there is representation in the government through the minority religions committee. However, the reality for Christians is that there is virtually no opportunity for them in business and higher education. PEB has earned a good reputation in Pakistan as a source of quality education both for Christians and Muslims. It builds relationships and breaks down dividing walls of hostility in an area where it takes courage just to show up to work as a Christ follower.
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR VISIT!
From November 10-18, The Outreach Foundation will be attending the 25th anniversary of “denationalization.” This marks the anniversary of when the government returned schools to the Presbyterian Education Board after decades aptly described as “the dark ages.” The work of PEB is a sacred work shining the light of God’s Word and bearing the hope of Jesus Christ into the lives of children and their families. We will be visiting many of these families and bringing encouragement to the teachers. Please keep this visit in your prayers as regional tensions rise.
Read more about The Presbyterian Education Board (PEB) HERE.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the mission and ministry of the Presbyterian Education Board (PEB). All gifts of any size are welcomed. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.
