Releasing People From the Bondage of Debt

Set free Christian brick-kiln workers in Pakistan!

“My Lord has sent me good news through Barnabas Fund” Amanat worked seven days a week in a brick-kiln. Every day he made 1,000 bricks, which earned him 800 rupees (approximately $8.14). But he never took any money home because every rupee went straight back to the brick-kiln owner to pay interest on a loan Amanat had taken. His situation was so bad that he had to borrow money to buy food for his children.     Amanat and Rehana with Rebecca, now learning tailoring, and the younger children, going to school at last. Their lives have been transformed by paying off a debt that had consumed all they earned making bricks When Barnabas Fund’s partners told Amanat that his debt would be paid, his eyes filled with tears of joy. The impossible had happened. Now his eldest daughter Rebecca is learning tailoring and his younger children are at school. Barnabas supports the school and the tailoring skills' training project. “My Lord has sent me good news through Barnabas Fund. Now I enjoy freedom from debt!” exclaimed Amanat. Like thousands of Pakistani Christian brick-kiln workers, Amanat and his wife Rehana had borrowed money from their employer for essential needs at a time of family crisis. The debts keep each family bonded to their brick-kiln, unable to leave and get another job, with money deducted from their wages to pay the interest. It is impossible, out of their poverty, to pay off the debts. Despised, despairing and trapped, the bonded brick-kiln workers feel like slaves. But Barnabas Fund supporters have donated to set free hundreds of families by paying off their debts. “I rejoice for this miracle in our lives”     “My mouth just does not stop praising God,” says Irfan, rejoicing in the “miracle” of being free “My mouth just does not stop praising God for the blessings and freedom from debt He has given us,” says Irfan, another Christian brick-kiln worker whose debt was paid by Barnabas Fund. “We are now hopeful for our future. Now we are working with respect and without fear.” With nothing being deducted from his wages any more, Irfan can set aside money every month to pay for his children’s schooling. “God sent you people for our help. We are deeply grateful. I now rejoice for this miracle in our lives.” Meeting spiritual needs too     Liaqat and Rani are thrilled that they can go to church every week with their two daughters. When they were bonded labourers they had to work on Sundays Liaqat (42) has been a bonded brick-kiln labourer since childhood. Now, with his debt paid off by Barnabas Fund supporters, the family is free. His wife Rani is so thankful that now they can sleep peacefully without worrying over their debt. When they were bonded labourers they were forced to work on Sundays. But now they are free, “we go to church on a regular basis and fulfil our spiritual needs”. The work of the Barnabas Fund focuses upon many needs.  In the case above the need is to help people be freed from the perpetual bondage of debt, which keeps poor people in extreme poverty.  If you wish to donate, contact the Barnabas Fund at "Donate"