Pakistan

  • GOVERNMENT: Federal parliamentary republic

  • POPULATION: 248 million

  • RELIGION: Islam (official and majority Sunni; Shia minority)

  • LANGUAGE: Urdu (national), English (official); Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, and others

  • CURRENCY: Pakistani Rupee (PKR)

  • CLIMATE: Mostly arid to semi-arid; temperate along coastline, cold in mountainous regions

THE REALITY

Pakistan remains one of the most challenging countries in the world to follow Jesus. Deeply shaped by fundamentalist Islam, Islamic terrorist organizations are allowed to operate freely. The reality is countrywide persecution for religious minorities, especially Christians, who experience discrimination, false accusations under blasphemy laws, burning of churches, and violent attacks.

Even in the midst of adversity and spiritual darkness, God is moving as the Church continues to grow quietly. While poverty and lack of discipleship can be limiting, believers are passionately committed to seeing transformation in their families, churches, and communities. At great risk, they are following Christ and sharing His love with others. The need for spiritually mature leaders is great, along with more opportunities for training and discipleship.

Young Pakistanis are desperately seeking purpose and something to devote their lives to. Although the country is scarce on surfing equipment, coastline communities are forging a strong surf culture. Grassroots groups of local surfers, such as “Surfers of Buleji,” are embracing the sport and the community that comes with sharing a common passion. With its first public skatepark opening in 2023 and many DIY parks popping up, the skateboarding community is also attracting resilient and open-minded youth. The presence of action sports ministries could make all the difference as these young communities grow in their sport and the knowledge of Jesus.

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

Romans 10:14

Pray with us

Pray for the persecuted Church. Ask God to grow and strengthen believers who face persecution under restrictive laws. In the midst of poverty, illiteracy, and limited resources, pray for boldness, unity, and the raising up of mature, Spirit-led leaders who can disciple the next generation.

Pray for the government and justice system. Ask God to expose people and dismantle systems that empower extremism, misuse laws, and promote corruption. Pray for leaders to govern with wisdom, fairness, and courage to value people, regardless of faith or background.

Pray for the youth, especially those drawn to action sports as a means of purpose and identity. Ask God to use these growing communities as bridges for Gospel proclamation and God’s hope and transformation in a place desperate for light.