From the Superintendent's DESK

While celebrating Christmas this year, our congregations in Pakistan shared the story of our Savior’s birth with many unbelievers. As a result, at least four received the greatest gift of all—Jesus in their hearts! Highlights from the Christmas gatherings are given in the following report from Pakistan. 

The third annual Christmas program and dinner was hosted by the headquarters church in Toba Tek Singh on Monday, December 23. Sister Warisha and her team worked diligently to organize the event. It was attended by 106, including seven Punjabi police officers who came to extend greetings to the Christian community.

The program began with prayer led by Sister Hera. Then beautiful Christmas songs were performed by the adult choir, followed by a children’s choir. The message was titled “Make a Room for Jesus Christ,” with text from Revelation 3:20, which begins, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.” Shabeeb Nadeem, the Toba Tek Singh pastor, urged everyone to ask Jesus into their hearts so the true purpose of Christmas could be fulfilled in their lives.

The remainder of the evening was filled with joy and excitement. The children performed plays and recited poems, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces. This was followed by a Christmas cake-cutting ceremony. Then, after a short break, a delicious dinner was served to all. The highlight, though, was that four individuals recognized their need for salvation. Confessing and repenting of their sins, they committed their lives to God and invited Jesus to live in their hearts.

The next day, an outdoor service was held in Sadiq Nagar, Faisalabad, with eighty-three attending while many others listened from their rooftops. During the service, a message was shared based on Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” The message brought out that those who surrender their lives to God and seek Him first do not need to worry about life’s necessities, such as food. God has promised to bless and provide for His children.

Following the sermon, children sang Christmas carols and then forty boxes of food were distributed to widows, orphans, and needy families. The beneficiaries received the boxes with deep gratitude to the Lord, some with tears in their eyes. Some of the families had not received their salaries and were struggling without food.

Before the close of the service, many responded to God’s Word by surrendering their lives to Him, and they shared beautiful testimonies.

On Christmas Eve, a service was held on the rooftop of Brother Shabeeb’s home. The message of Matthew 6:33 was shared again, and then twenty-five boxes of food were distributed. The recipients were deeply thankful to the Lord for His constant care.

On Christmas Day, a morning meeting began with the choir singing songs of thankfulness in English and in Urdu. There were 113 saints in attendance, and many inspiring testimonies were shared. One sister said she heard the sermon on December 23 and asked God for mercy and forgiveness. She invited Jesus into her heart, and the Lord saved her soul!

Before the message, Brother Paul led the congregation in prayer and Sister Warisha sang “O Come, Let Us Adore Him.” The message was taken from Luke 2:11 and titled “A Savior Is Available for Us All.” An altar service followed with people placing their petitions before the Lord in full faith.

In the evening, sixty saints gathered for a street rally. They walked through the city streets holding lit candles while singing carols and testifying of Jesus Christ, the Savior, the Light of the World. At different points, they stopped to read Scripture passages and pray. It was a joyous march, and the people passing by responded with great enthusiasm. Most notable was that some joined the procession without showing any fear.

Following the rally, a church service was held at Toba Tek Singh with 156 in attendance. It began with the congregation singing Christmas songs led by Brother Zaigham. Then Sister Nagima gave the opening prayer and five shared testimonies of victory. The message was taken from Matthew 2:2, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” The preacher posed the question, “Which star are we to follow?” and answered that Jesus is the Light of the World, the Star that will lead one to Heaven. Those who follow Him will overcome this world. The service closed with a good time of prayer and then the church family enjoyed tea as they shared Christmas greetings. 

Let’s remember to pray for the work in Pakistan that many more will come to know Jesus, the greatest Gift of all.