Pakistan is not the place for the faint hearted. So for those who wish to go there to visit, it is imperative to know, that you know, that you know, God has indeed called you there. We discovered these truths on our first trip to Sialkot in 2006, and, when invited again to Lahore, we were in much prayer before hand.Lahore was completely different to what we expected. God always surprises and stretches us constantly.We were met at the airport by a delegation of 18 happy excited children and Pastors from the schools and churches. Smiling faces, giggling girls and noise - lots of noise. The minibus did not look big enough to hold us all, plus our luggage, consequently we were packed in like sardines. On arrival at the first school at Kalig Nagar and our accommodation more excitement and many people greeting us with beautiful rose petals and neck garlands. A very moving experience.

Pastor Elisha Samuel was our host for the entire trip and is someone who visits our Church Camp at Hollybush Christian Fellow-ship regularly every year to raise awareness of the needs of the school children and the Churches. One Church is in Elishas house in Youhnabad and the other is a few miles away in Kalig Nagar were we stayed. The School Assembly was nest to our room and commenced at 7.30am.

We awakened to children singing praises to our great GOD. Songs like: God is so good, God is so good, God is so good. He's so good to me. Hallelujah.

This is from children whose parents have very little, or, in some cases nothing at all. Challenging to us isn't it?. When children enroll at the School for free education they are Promised uniforms, and we had the pleasure of helping with that, Providing and seeing them go home in smart little blue shirts and ties. Since coming home in November, we have forwarded donations from two generous sources to equip the second school and make up food parcels for poorer families in the surroundings areas.

We taught and preached at both Churches and Schools plus an open-air rally was booked for us to take in conjunction with the Salvation Army. This had to be diverted at the last minute because of the troubles in Lahore, to an enc. losed courtyard for safety - with an armed guard. One man was saved at this meeting. Praise the LORD.

Please pray for the Christians in Pakistan at this turbulent time that God will stay the hand of the enemy and that HIS people will be protected.

Word spread that we were in the vicinity and many sick persons began to come for prayer and treatment for minor ailments.

Some needed wound dressings and we started a morning clinics and prayer ministry. Fortunately we had brought a wide variety of general medicines and dressings for first aid purposes and all the supply was used by the day we were going home. Mild analgesics were helpful for those who cannot afford to visit a doctor. The highlight and culmination of the visit was opening the Bible School on the last day of the second week. The students were presented with their own Bible, pens and notepads. Derek and I had the awesome privilege of teaching the first lessons of their first week and GOD the Holy Spirit met with us in a special way. Nineteen people received salvation and nine of them were baptized in waters the last Sunday before we left for home.

Pakistani people are kind and hospitable and are very grateful to those who come to encourage and visit them.

Pastor Elisha has two young enthusiastic Assistant Pastors, Pastor Ezekiel and his wife Sana and Pastor Nazir who is single and aided by his family. His Father is an elder in the Church at Kalig Naga

The students of Hollybush Bible School look forward to next Nov./ Dec. when their course finishes and we will God willing attend for their Graduation ceremony to present Certificates, Diplomas and prizes.

Despite being invited to Sialkot, it seemed good to us and to the Holy Ghost"

to remain where we were for the entire visit. Martial law was declared just before we left and many restrictions had already been enforced. On this occasion it was unwise to travel too far away from the compound.

Praise GOD we arrived home safely before the troubles worsened. GOD IS FAITHFUL.

Derek and Margaret Wheldon.

P.S. Any-one who feels moved to help with this outreach can contact us via The Glory Office.