Pakistan: Aleeza was just 1.5 years old when she survived a horrific terrorist attack on the Bethel Memorial Methodist Church during a nativity service on 17th December 2017. The brutal assault claimed the lives of nine innocent worshippers, leaving a deep scar on the Christian community in Pakistan. Aleeza’s survival was nothing short of miraculous, made possible by the courageous efforts of volunteer Christian security officers who risked their lives to protect others.

However, her battle for survival was far from over. Aleeza suffered severe injuries, including the loss of her left leg below the knee and serious shrapnel damage to her bowels. Initially treated at a public hospital, her condition worsened due to inadequate wound care, leading to a life-threatening gangrene infection. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) stepped in, transferring Aleeza to a private hospital in Karachi. There, she underwent a second surgery that ultimately saved her life.

Since then, BACA has remained a pillar of support for Aleeza and her family, ensuring that she continues to lead as normal a life as possible. A crucial part of this assistance has been providing her with a prosthetic leg twice a year to accommodate her rapid growth. Without this, prolonged use of an incorrectly sized limb could result in swelling, inflammation, and immense discomfort, severely affecting her mobility and well-being.

Recently, Aleeza’s father, Ashiq Masih, spoke with BACA’s operations manager, Ashiq Masih, sharing their urgent need for a new prosthetic leg:

“Aleeza needs a new prosthetic leg. Due to her growth, her current leg has become short-sized, and it hurts when she walks. Her school is going to reopen after winter holidays, and I request BACA to provide her a new prosthetic leg.”

He also expressed his deep gratitude for the unwavering support they have received from BACA over the years:

“After the bombing, many charities reached out, but none offered real help. Our daughter was on the brink of death, and it was only through BACA’s emergency appeal that we managed to get Aleeza to the only hospital in the country with the expertise and equipment to save her. The treatment was costly, but thanks to those skilled doctors and God’s grace, Aleeza is alive today.”

Aleeza’s prosthetic limb has been a lifeline, enabling her to attend school, participate in church activities, and live like any other child her age. Despite the challenges she faces, she excels academically and has recently been promoted to Grade 4 after securing outstanding marks in Grade 3. In addition to her studies, she actively engages in sports and extracurricular activities, proving that her spirit remains unbreakable.

Ashiq Masih, who works as a sweeper in a government college, faces severe financial constraints that make it impossible to afford a new prosthetic limb every six months. Without BACA’s intervention, Aleeza’s mobility and quality of life would be severely impacted.

“I fall short of words when I think of the role of BACA in supporting Aleeza through all these years. God bless BACA for helping us and many others like us.”

BACA remains steadfast in supporting Aleeza, ensuring she has everything she needs to live a full and active life. Her journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of compassionate intervention. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we continue to help Aleeza and others like her overcome adversity and pursue their dreams.

We have reopened an appeal to fund Aleeza’s latest prosthetic, with medical and transport costs totalling £700. Every contribution makes a difference—please consider donating today (click here). 

Juliet Chowdhry, Trusee for British Asian Christian Association, said:

“Aleeza’s survival against all odds after a brutal terrorist attack is a powerful testament to the strength found in Christ and the miraculous power of prayer. Her unwavering desire to live, paired with her incredible progress in school, fills us with hope for her future. We believe that one day, Aleeza will be a remarkable ambassador for Christians in Pakistan. While her journey has been extraordinary, our work is far from over, and we are committed to ensuring she receives the best care, including regular prosthetic adjustments, until she reaches adulthood.”