In an ongoing series of prison-related stories from around the world, this article will take us to Pakistan, one of the several countries in the Indian Subcontinent of South Asia located between the Himalayas in the north and the Indian Ocean to the south.
The Jesus call, “I was in prison, and you did not visit me,” is heard even in Pakistan, a Muslim country one-third the way around the world, where the sun rises nine hours earlier than it does in the Eastern Time Zone in the United States.
The Jesus call, “I was in prison, and you did not visit me,” is heard even in Pakistan, a Muslim country one-third the way around the world, where the sun rises nine hours earlier than it does in the Eastern Time Zone in the United States.
In the Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery, GRACE Presbyterian Church is a Matthew 25 congregation which operates over 30 various ministries beyond its walls. Their church, three years ago, planted a… Read more »
The meeting room at Laws Lodge on the campus of the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary was buzzing with groups clustered together, debriefing on the past three weeks. Most of the 15 international peacemakers gathered here for a day of conversation before heading back to their homes, an opportunity to talk about their experiences and interactions with U.S. congregations, students and communities.
Ministers of all Christian denominations can tell you about the challenges of sharing the gospel in today’s world. For those who serve God in other countries, that challenge can be even more difficult. Samuel Akhtar knows firsthand, having grown up in Pakistan.
Changing demographics bring revitalization to congregation
Saint Paul Presbyterian Church began its ministry in southwest Houston 60 years ago as a suburban congregation.
About 25 years later Saint Paul gladly welcomed its first African-immigrant members. As the neighborhood changed
and the original congregation began to age, African immigrants began to revitalize the church. When
Dr. Kevin R. Boyd was called as pastor in 2003, Saint Paul was facing the challenges of changing demographics.
He encouraged Saint Paul’s fledgling African choir, Calabash, to be part of every service. Today the choir, composed
of members from numerous African countries, leads God’s people weekly in praise, alongside a traditional choir as
well as a praise band.
