Dear Partners in Missions in Pakistan,
“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; strengthen your stakes.” Isaiah 54:2
It is thrilling to see how the Lord has expanded the work in Pakistan in spite of the violence and insecurity facing the whole Christian world and with Pakistan right in the middle of it.
Since my last letter much has happened; there was the summer retreat with about 120 people participating. All the schools, Bible literacy centers, the clinic and the Lahore Council of Churches have been open and functioning. However, at Calvin’s Academy No. 3, the enrollment was lower than hoped because of the violence in the area. When three Americans who were participating in the annual convention went to visit, they had to enter at the rear, to avoid calling attention to their presence. Even the five-day convention, which normally had over 2,500 in attendance, had to meet in a room that would hold only 300 people because the government had forbidden public religious gatherings. The last day they did set up a tent and had about 600 in attendance. All went well. The three Americans who participated in the convention have returned to the USA very enthusiastic in their support of the work and have encouraged others to participate by praying for and giving to the work.
Not only is a clear Christian witness given through these ministries, but also a Christian ministry is given to thousands of Christians. Three new churches are beginning near Calvin’s Academy No.3. An acre of land is being purchased near Calvin’s Academy No.2 to provide more space to build facilities for the growing school. Also, we’ve begun a new program in the seminary in which the faculty and students visit churches each month helping them with their outreach and instructing in the organization of Sunday schools. (Very few of the churches have Sunday schools.) There is need for $150.00 a month to help with the cost of travel, etc. Would you please help sponsor this program? Dr. John Werner, who taught in the seminary from October 15 to December 17, not only plans to return next fall, but he speaks very highly about the dedication of the students.
A major event has been the triple by-pass surgery for Rev. Din. He was having pain in his chest and it was found that he urgently needed to have this surgery. God provided skilled surgeons and a good hospital so that this could be done in Pakistan . The doctors did not believe Sardar could safely make a trip to the USA. He is now recovering at home and has begun to resume some of his activities. His wife Anila has been faithful in ministering to him in his needs. Rev. Emmanuel Gill also very ably assumed some of Rev. Sardar’s responsibilities.
We have a number of challenging and pressing financial needs. I’ll list a few:
- Due to the seasonal heavy rains and flooding, extensive repairs are needed on our older building’s foundation at the seminary location. The cost of repairs is approximately $1,800.00.
- We have recently spent over $1,000.00 on books for our students and more books are needed.
- Sardar’s medical expenses for medicine and additional care continue to be rather large. His family has taken up most of the financial burden, but additional gifts are needed.
- I know this sounds like a huge and improbable gift, but we could use an additional one time amount of $50,000.00 to complete our current projects and obligations. This is in addition to the $5,500.00 needed for the monthly budget. (Think of it; our monthly budget of $5,500 provides for a seminary, 2000 Calvin Christian Academy students, a medical clinic and 30 Bible literacy centers including our staff and material needs).
- We invite you to join us in prayer and giving as we seek to enable our brethren in Pakistan to continue enlarging their tents.
Thank you for your prayers and support. Because of your help there is a very significant ministry and testimony for Christ in Pakistan.
Sincerely in Christ,
Earl E. Pinckney, Field Secretary
Posted on December 1st, 2004 by Rev. Earl Pinckney
Filed under: Newsletters, Pakistan
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