From the Desk of Health and Education

In 1972, all of PEB Colleges and Schools were nationalized. Since Then Church was trying to get them back, but always, there were some problems. Now after lengthy negotiations Government is agreed to return 10 schools in first instance and then the colleges. The Board is thank full to Elder David Stoner, Rev. David Hudson, Vincent David and Salim Bhatti who worked very hard towards this mission. Though the official notification is not received, still we are hopeful to have these schools back in April 1998.

It is requested to the readers to remember this matter in their prayers and pray to find the resources for these schools. The resources, which Board had in 1972, are stopped or diverted to other projects.

In the second week of December, Rev. David Hudson left Pakistan to join his family in States. He was performing the duties of Executive Secretary for Presbyterian Education Board in Pakistan for last two years. In this situation, Board has appointed Mrs. Veeda Javed on the position of Executive Secretary.

She took over this position from 1st February 1998. She says in her first introductory letter "I know, we are united in the belief that quality education that testifies to our faith in the value of each child of God must be an essential objective of Christian Community. I trust that you will join me in prayers, as we move ahead together to promote education in Pakistan through our institutions."

Christian Hospitals Association of Pakistan (CHAP) celebrated its silver jubilee in November 1997. Christian Hospital Taxila played a very significant role in the formation and well being of this organization.

Christian Hospital Taxila completed 75th year of service in Pakistan. Ten staff members completed 30 years and Pramila and I completed 40 years of association with it.

A thanks giving service was held on August 18th. Mr. Yunis Lall Din Director Women's Christian Hospital, Multan was the guest speaker for the occasion. The function was very well attended by colleagues of the Presbyterian Church and of Christian Hospitals Association of Pakistan (CHAP). Official celebration for 75 years service was organized on Monday November 24, 1997. Rev. Victor Makari of the PCUSA was the Guest of Honour for the occasion. Over 500 guests were present for the occasion including 174 staff members. It was an occasion of great joy and thanksgiving for all of us. I am grateful that Swedish Ambassador, Representative of Norwegian Embassy and the Political Secretary of US Embassy and two representatives of Christoffel Blindenmission were present for this function. Services of many people and organizations were recognized in this programme like PC (USA), EZE (Germany), ICCO (Netherlands), Christoffel Blindenmission (Germany), SIMAVI (Netherlands), Pentecostal Church Gothenburg (Sweden), Medical Benevolence Foundation (USA), OutReach Presbyterian Foundation (USA) and other friends of this institution.

Golden jubilee celebration in 1972 and now Diamond jubilee celebrations are mountain top experience for Presbyterian Church of Pakistan and especially for the staff of Christian Hospital, Taxila. We salute many who served before us, we ask for your prayers for those who are serving now in this institution. We on our part rededicate ourselves to serve this institution far beyond the call of duty so that the less fortunate can continue to receive service at the cost they can afford and the name of Jesus is glorified through our service in Pakistan.

Pramila and Ernest Lall

On December 12, 1997, six young (actually five young and one in her forties!) completed an intensive three-month Bible Course at the United Bible Training Centre. They are mainly graduates or have completed F.A. (an intermediate level degree).

What did they learn?

While assignment and exams results show that they did succeed in fulfilling requirements regarding gaining a knowledge of Bible (in survey and book study courses), doctrine apologetics and practical teaching projects, their own comments show the course had a much broader impact:

"I've learned that whatever I do, Jesus should be revealed in my daily life".
"God prepares us for his service by breaking us ... truly he brings glory out of pain and suffering (from a girl whose father died during the course)".
"I've learned how to put up with others - I never could before!"
"I have to accept people as they are - praise God that He accepted even me, when I was a sinner".
"I'm ready to offer my life to serve Him".
"I feel my life has begun again". (This is from the older woman...)

Watch this space to find out what happens when we

start a One Year Bible Training Course in January 1998!

News from Gujranwala Theological Seminary (GTS A Union Seminary)

We praise God for the services of Dr. Aurelia Fule Ph.D., who visited the Seminary last, term Oct. - Dec. 1997 and taught Ethics. Her presence has been a source of blessing for both the students and faculty. We are also looking forward for the arrival of Daniel's from PC USA, who will teach here for three years. Pray that the seminary may prepare for their residence.
Rev. Aslam Ziai is in USA, working for his Doctor of Ministry. Pray for him and his family.
The library project is on its way to be completed. We thank for the efforts of those who have contributed to this project. It will be great addition to the seminary. The carpeting and refurnishing is still to be done. Pray for the completion of this project as well as for the new books for the seminary.
The seminary is celebrating its annual commencement day on March 21, 1998. Pray for this auspicious occasion. The seminary's New Year will begin in April, ask God's blessings for coming year.
We praise God for the Rev. Prof. Merle and Mrs. Gloria Inniger being able to spend twelve days in our midst and for Rev. Inniger's lecturing programme on the Book of Nehemiah. Their presence with us and their contribution here was again much appreciated. A sincere thanks to both of them.
Last week's highlight was a special Lenten service, followed by an all-night prayer vigil which then culminated in a special "love-offering", in support of our on going Library Renovation Project. A special thanks to the Korean Church in Islamabad for their generous contribution whose gift, amazingly, matched the previous evening's giving.