Jesus said, I have come that you have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)
My journey of Justice, Peace and integrity of creation is rooted in the living of our Charism. I am trying to discover and manifest the Love of Jesus Christ among the poor and oppressed people, in particular among the Christians those living in the poor areas such as Christian Colonies.
I go among them to share their lives as well to listen their sad stories. Living in an Islamic country where Islamic Ideology is the most important one and the other religions have to bow their heads in many ways. Seeing many unjust acts towards Christian can’t do much but only to promise to take their voice to some resource persons and to pray that God may help them to live a respectful life on this earth.
In Pakistan Domestic work is part of a huge Christians community and majority of these works are done by females mostly young girls. They go through different persecution as violence, discrimination and blaspheming. We try to help out such cases through the help of the Parish Priest or some NGO groups working for JPIC.
I would like to share a story of a girl named Amina Bashir age of 13 years old. She was from a poor family. Because of the poverty she couldn’t go to school so her mother put her with a Muslim family for cleaning and washing of clothes. She was a source of income for the family as her father was sick and her mother was taking care of him. She used to work during the day and in the evening go back home. I used to visit this family often. One day her mother came crying saying that Amina has not been back home for two days. I promised her to bring back her daughter as soon as possible. In my heart I knew that it is not easy to find her in a big city and also I had no idea of that Muslim family. Amina was kidnapped by the family. I went to the place to find out about the family with two men of JPIC group but the door of the house was locked. We asked the neighbors but no one knew that when and where the family is gone. I asked the family, if they have reported to the police, but they refused to do so knowing that they will not get any justice and being poor no one will help them. It was true in many cases. After sending the family away the team decided to follow this case and help the poor family. I asked OFM brothers as they were working with me for JPIC and some other members of the team. After four days of intense search they got the information of that family, and went to that house as employers and met the girl and managed to bring home. It was not an easy job but God was our strength and support to help this poor family.
Justice, peace and the integrity of creation is derived from our commitment for working in solidarity with the poor and our care and respect for all human beings and creation.
Sr. Nusrat Khurshid fmm
Trinity Region (Pakistan Sector)
