Pakistan: still reeling after the floods
Our correspondent, CMS country consultant, Aamir Shahzad, gives an eye witness report of the devastating effects of the recent floods in Pakistan and paints a picture of a country reeling in the wake of the disaster. Aamir urges local Christians in Pakistan to pool their scarce resources to show God’s love to those in need and reach out to all communities – Christian and non-Christian alike.
Water, wreckages, hunger, epidemics, deaths are the most common words that we hear these days in the context of the floods in Pakistan.
But before the monsoon, Pakistan experienced a severe dry spell which made everyone wary for the days to come as the below ground water table had fallen to an alarming level in most areas.
Who knew at that time (except one) that the scarcity would turn into a disastrous abundance within a matter of a few months?
Pakistan is still reeling from one of the worst disasters it has ever experienced. According to estimates, one out of every 8.5 people in the country has been directly affected so far by the floods. But in days to come everyone will be affected.
Reconstruction and rehabilitation
As the struggle to provide the basics to the flood stricken communities continues, a formidable challenge lies at Pakistan’s door step when the water recedes – namely, its reconstruction and rehabilitation.
Around 800,000 to one million houses need to be rebuilt and the ‘food bowl’ needs to be rehabilitated as standing crops of rice, cotton and sugarcane are washed away. The loss to the agriculture sector in Punjab alone is estimated at Pakistani Rupees 72 billion (£307.3m). Fixing everything after this colossal disaster seems like a long row to hoe.
On top of the floods, Pakistan is in the midst of all sorts of other problems – including governance, its national image in the international arena, security risks from militant groups and target killings on the basis of ethnicity.
The credibility of the government is very bleak and the leadership deficit is the commonly shared perception of most. While everything else in this country is in short supply, it’s hopelessness and desperation that exists in abundance.
Things we as a nation crave include food, electricity, justice, compassion, peace, love, security, tolerance, education, healthcare, character, self-respect, values, governance, leadership, vision and, above all, hope for a better future.
As Christians and more specifically as Christians in, and of, Pakistan – what are we supposed to do at this time when ruthless darkness seems to be prevailing over the hearts and minds of the nation?
Showing the love of God
In the aftermath of the disaster, and to everyone’s delight, many local churches have raised support to show the love of God to those in need.
But in many cases the support is limited to Christians affected by the disaster. There is absolutely nothing wrong in it but shouldn’t the ‘good news’ reach those who haven’t heard it so far? Are we not limiting the infinite grace and love of God being children of the God of abundance?
Good news could be in the shape of food, water and clothing for those who are suffering. And imagine the impact if a local congregation brings food and water to a community in north or south Pakistan that has never been exposed to local Christians. Even today in Pakistan there are many people who do not personally know a local Christian – and for whom Christianity is synonymous with the West.
Dare to step in
Mission in such situations will find the doors open, if only we dare to step in. A relationship born through any local church’s initiative to help a community in this time of need will never die.
Sacrifice is what is needed from the local Christians and sacrifice not only for the sake of fellow Christians but for all those in need.
I like what Mother Teresa said: “What I do, you cannot do; but what you do, I cannot do. The needs are great, and none of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love and together we can do something wonderful.”
It stands very true to our case as local Christians in Pakistan. Our scarce resources can create abundance and do wonderful things, if only we bring these together with love and appreciate each other’s gifts.