Praying for Open Hearts

Shakeel reports that the ministry area in Sindh Province is experiencing a third wave of the Coronavirus as much of Pakistan is, but he says, "By the grace of God . . .He is faithful and has given His favor to do His work."

It is harvest time in Pakistan when many of the people in the Hindu villages Shakeel and Rustam visit are living temporarily away from home so they can be near the fields for the harvest work available to them. The men were able to visit several areas, though, where there were people eager to hear the Word of God.

Theri

There are two men who are believers in Theri and, Shakeel says, "For many months they were asking us to come and visit and start preaching The Word of God in their community." So in March he and Rustam visited for the first time and met with men in the village. They worshiped and prayed together and then agreed that when Shakeel and Rustam return for another visit, the women will be invited, too. Shakeel believes that, although there are only two believers now in this village, over time many more will come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord.

From Shakeel: "I want to request that all the Pakistan team and others pray for this area so we can preach the Gospel and people come to Christ to be saved."

Mirwa

Mirwa has heard the truth of the Gospel for some time now and they listen, they are hospitable, and they ask the men to pray for them. Shakeel challenged them to realize that just listening and asking for prayer is not enough. They need to make a decision for themselves to follow Jesus Christ as their Savior. We are praying that, over time, many will respond to that challenge.

Korki

In Korki, Shakeel preached from Hebrews 10, which includes this text (Jesus speaking),

“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll— I have come to do your will, my God.’

Shakeel commented that the people had trouble thinking that God would not be happy with their sacrifices and offerings. But he preached the text with boldness explaining that Jesus is the only sacrifice that is acceptable to God. We have to trust him for our salvation, not what we do for ourselves.

Kumb

In Kumb, at the Reach the Nations church building, Shakeel used a question and answer technique, asking a series of questions of the congregation and inviting their response. He said it was a time of blessing for all. The meeting closed with a communion service based on teaching Shakeel gave from 1 Corinthian 11:23-26.

"If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." - Romans 12:6b-8