London: (By Hannah Chowdhry and Juliet Chowdhry) In the heart of Youhanabad No.2, a vibrant Christian community on the outskirts of Lahore, the spirit of giving and spiritual growth collided as BACA’s Biblical outreach program reached out to deserving families, bringing the cherished gift of Bibles. This initiative aimed to empower those struggling to make ends meet with the invaluable knowledge encapsulated in the Holy Scriptures.

Pastor James Chiragh, the dedicated leader of Ikhtiar-e-Masih Church, approached BACA with a heartfelt plea to provide printed Bibles for the underprivileged members of his congregation. Acquainted with BACA through another pastor who had experienced the joy of receiving Bibles, Pastor James emphasized the financial challenges his church members faced, stating,

“For some families, it is really hard to buy a Bible due to a considerable rise in the cost for a Bible.”

On the 28th of December, the BACA team visited Youhanabad No.2, where they distributed 30 printed Bibles to needy families, at their homes.  We visited homes as this enabled us to ensure that it was impoverished families that received our free gift and not those who would more likely be able to buy one.  At each home we prayed and shared a short time of Bible study along with Pastor James Chiragh. The atmosphere was infused with gratitude as individuals, who previously had no access to a Bible outside Sunday services, received this precious gift with open hearts.

Sonia Nawaz, a church member, expressed her gratitude, saying,

“I used to feel guilty for not taking a Bible with me when I go to the Church. Now I am overwhelmed with gratitude for BACA for giving me this Bible. Now I can go to Church with a Bible of my own.”

Ishaq Khursheed, another recipient, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the significance of the timing during Christmas.  

“I am thankful to BACA for visiting us during these Christmas days and gifting us a Bible. It is such a wonderful gift,” he shared, radiating joy.

Mrs. Sonia Akhtar, a housewife, conveyed her gratitude for the gift of a Bible, revealing that she had previously requested a Bible from Pastor James due to the absence of one in her home.

 “I am thankful to the Lord for giving me a Bible of my own,” she expressed with heartfelt appreciation.

These testimonies highlight the profound impact BACA’s Biblical outreach has had on the lives of these families, providing them not only with a sacred text but also a sense of spiritual fulfillment. As a result of the positive response, Pastor James Chiragh has requested 50 more printed Bibles to continue supporting those in his congregation who cannot afford to purchase one.

For Christians who were too illiterate to read we also handed out free audio Bibles,  and 10 were distributed during our visit.

British Asian Christian Association, dedicated to spreading the Word of the Lord, finds immense joy in uplifting these communities, fostering spiritual growth among those who need it most. As the program continues, the organization remains committed to making a lasting impact, one Bible at a time, on the lives of those yearning for spiritual nourishment amidst the challenges of life.

Every year, BACA distributes audio Bibles and printed copies to underprivileged Christians many who, due to their circumstances, are unable to read. These individuals often reside in areas devoid of churches, relying on the occasional visit from a pastor funded by BACA or other organisations, to receive a sermon and comprehend the Gospel. Procuring Bibles for these visits is a costly endeavor; our audio Bibles amount to £28 each, while each printed Bible costs £5. By contributing to our Pakistan fund, you play a crucial role in ensuring the continuous sharing of the transformative message of peace and hope found in the Gospel of Christ. Your donation can make a lasting impact, helping us reach and bless many faithful Christians.

Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for the British Asian Christian Association, emphasized, “The Gospel of Christ is a transformative gift that should be accessible to all. Unfortunately, the associated costs often pose a challenge for underprivileged families. It brings us great joy to bridge this gap for struggling families. The gratitude expressed by those who receive God’s words serves as evidence that our gift will not be in vain. Instead, it will empower more members of our broader family to draw closer to God. Access to scripture is the foundation of understanding, and I envision the emergence of Christian leaders from the families that now have a direct source.”