This edition’s feature article is by Pakistani Salvationist Nazia Yousaf. Many Salvationists in New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga will have met Nazia’s parents, Lieut-Colonels Yousaf Ghulam and Rebecca Yousaf, who recently served in New Zealand.
As you read Nazia’s story, you’ll see that her parents gave their daughter a wonderful start in life. In a country where Christians are treated as second-class citizens and where women have even less opportunities, Nazia’s parents encouraged her to pursue a career. She was also encouraged to be vocal about her Christian faith. That’s no small thing in Pakistan.
In reading Nazia’s story, I couldn’t help but reflect on what it means to be part of God’s family. We have different experiences because we live in different countries, yet we enjoy a strong connection with other Christians around the world. This goes far deeper than just having a few things in common, like perhaps supporting the same sports team, liking the same music or even having similar political views. As Christians we may have none of these things in common (and may even have strong opposing views), but we still feel a sense of unity.
John 1:12–13 says, ‘Yet some people accepted [Jesus] and put their faith in him. So he gave them the right to be the children of God ... God himself was the one who made them his children.’ Why do we feel a kindred spirit with Nazia as she shares her story? Because we are family—God’s family!
In this part of the world, The Salvation Army is part-way through its annual focus on overseas mission. As we prayerfully consider our sacrificial gifts for the Self Denial Appeal, let’s think of our brothers and sisters in Pakistan and other places without the resources and perhaps also the freedom that we enjoy. Let’s think of our family overseas and do all that we can to lighten their load.
Christina Tyson
Editor
Romans 15:13 New Living Translation
‘I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.’
Rōma 15:13
‘Nā, mā te Atua, nāna nei te tūmanako, e whakakī koutou ki te hari katoa, ki te rangimārie, i runga i te whakapono, kia hua ai tō koutou tūmanako, i runga i te kaha o te Wairua Tapu.’