Heidi Ram Photography

Some of you know that  I have just returned from a whirlwind trip across Pakistan from an assignment with a large global NGO:  The Salvation Army.  This trip included Lahore > Faisalabad > Islamabad > Karachi > Hydrabad > Tando Mohammed Khan and then back to Karachi and Lahore.   The opportunity to travel with The Salvation Army’s Director of World Missions for Canada, and capture images that tell the story of the work they do in Pakistan, was a once-in-a-lifetime  photography assignment.

As a person of faith, it was evident from the very beginning that God’s hand was over the trip and that He had gone before us and was with us. The fact that the trip even happened was in itself a miracle considering ALL previous attempts by the NGO to secure Visa’s to Pakistan had been declined. Interestingly, our arrival came 2 weeks before a historic election to vote in a new Prime Minister, for a country who had sustained long periods of time under military rule. In speaking with local people, it was evident the elections brought out mixed emotions from excitement and determination to vote and be heard, as well as fear and uncertainty in light of the threats of the Taliban that they would bomb all polling stations to show their disdain of democracy.

Most of our time was spent in villages, communities and colonies to see projects supported by The Salvation Army, and hear first hand accounts of how the projects were impacting lives in the community. I was astonished to see and learn about the incredible work being done across Pakistan led by local project teams who serve faithfully and fearlessly. Projects include: fresh water wells and filtration systems that provide fresh drinking water to an entire community; a neighborhood of 90 homes built for 2010 flood victims, literacy programs for children and women; mother and child health programs that have saved lives and educate women about basic healthcare;  schools, including one whose alumni includes a former major of Karachi;  income generation programs (such as sewing/embroidery) children’s homes/hostels and orphanages; and the Gifts of Hope program which teaches animal husbandry skills (and provides goats, sheep, cows etc) to families for a source of fresh milk and income generation.

Everywhere we travelled we were welcomed with warm hospitality and love. Everywhere we travelled me met individuals and families, who are a living testimony of HOPE.  I left Pakistan encouraged that God is good, God IS working and God is a refuge, an ever present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1)

As an aside, everywhere we went I was drawn to the children. I was completely mesmerized with their  bright, joyful eyes and beautiful smiles. They stole my heart. All of them. And that’s why they are today’s feature on the blog. I hope that as you look at these beautiful faces you too will see beauty, joy and hope.