We were delighted this week to welcome Qaiser and Rahila from OTS, our Mission Partners in Pakistan.
Qasier, as many will know, is the Executive Director of OTS (The Open Theological Seminary) in Pakistan, whose motto is “Equipping God’s people for the work of His service”. His powerful preaching as a servant of Christ from Philippians set the bar high for all of us as we study this letter from Paul. Qaiser we found to be a special humble man and it was easy to see how he leads this amazing ministry.
OTS is a non-denominational Seminary and currently provides this Christian teaching to some 1000 students a year.
Rahila, we have known, founded and runs an incredible Christian Charity called “Help for the Helpless”. This charity reaches out to poor and marginalised Christian women mothers in both the rural areas as well as in the city. They help them by teaching sewing skills and after a year’s training, at their graduation provide them with a sewing machine and the tools to run their own small business. They have opened 10 of these centres in the past 6 years.
Watch this video to find out more about her work.
Rahila, when she was interviewed on Sunday, mentioned that they can buy new machines for the equivalent of £40 and several of you generously contributed on Sunday. Those who would still like to contribute, donations can be made by Bank transfer to St Andrews Church, Oxshott. Sort Code 20-90-56 Account number 80374598 Reference OTS/HTH
During their few days with us, Qaiser and Rahila met with many in our congregation at events such as Soul Space, an Open lunch, ABC, Craft Club, a Life Group and finally a visit to B@titude, where they encountered numerous similarities.
Many thanks are due to so many of you for kind and generous hosting, wonderful lunches and dinners that made this visit so special and helped us build a deeper and more fruitful relationship. How poignant for us all that Qaiser should preach from Chapter 1 of Philippians where the main themes are “Love, thankfulness and joy”