Pakistan

Pakistan is in need of assistance in the wake of recent natural disasters. In 2005, a massive earthquake left over 80,000 people dead. Reconstruction is ongoing and is likely to continue for years. In addition to the earthquake, the country has suffered from droughts and floods.

In Pakistan, FELM works in collaboration with the Church of Pakistan in the North West Frontier Province.

This collaboration is in the fields of:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Christian education
• Reconstruction of the earthquake affected areas

FELM also supports local Christian organizations and enables 25 children to attend school through child sponsorship from Finland.

Ministry and Congregational work

The study of the Bible among Christians is supported through church members and outreach activities. In the Peshawar Diocese a FELM staff member works with healthcare professionals through the Health Care Christian Fellowship. Another staff member runs classes of the Open Theological Seminary (OTS) Lahore.

FELM funds the Peshawar Bible distance learning programme and its curricula development as well as the only Bible College for women in the country.

The Church of Pakistan also receives financial support for the capacity building of its leadership and for publishing materials for the Open Theological Seminary. The Peshawar Diocese also receives institution building support and funds for development projects, particularly for the reconstruction of the earthquake affected areas.

Community Support and Capacity Building

In the education sector FELM supports Church of Pakistan schools. The assistance strives to raise the standard of education for children of the poor while keeping school fees affordable. Adult literacy, sewing classes for girls and health education are also funded by FELM.

Tank hospital, on the border with Afghanistan, receives FELM support. The hospital serves the communities in the vicinity of the hospital as well as those living in the surrounding mountains. The hospital provides surgical services, and has department for gyneacology, obstetrics and internal medicine and an eye clinic as well as the recently opened physiotherapy department. The hospital also provides fourteen villages mobile clinics for maternal health and antenatal services. The hospital also functions as a Government approved family planning and nursing training centre.

FELM provides particular support for the healthcare of women and children in the following locations:

• Bannu Hospital
• A Clinic in Risalpur
• A Basic Health Unit in Dera Ismail Khan