[2026 Ramadan] Day 14 The Ultimate Weapon of the Gospel, Pakistan!

For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Where the Arabian Sea meets the Indian Ocean, vast plains stretch along the ancient Indus River civilization. Over 100 ethnic groups live amidst northern mountains and nature's bounty. 240 million souls sing of a vision of salvation, to be revived by the Gospel of Christ.

Even when gaining independence from Britain in 1947, they desired separation from Hindu India and established the Islamic nation of Pakistan. Yet, eighty years of history have not been smooth sailing. Ethnic conflicts culminated in fraudulent elections, leading to the painful separation of its eastern territory as Bangladesh. Even before that, starting in 1947, three wars erupted with India over Kashmir's sovereignty. These events remain deep wounds and sources of conflict in the hearts of this land to this day. Furthermore, in 1956, it became the world's first Islamic republic, establishing its religious identity at the national level. After Islamization in the 7th century, it solidified its position as a distinctly religious nation, with Islam shaping its rule of law, culture, society, and education.

Therefore, during religious observances, particular emphasis is placed on fundamental acts of worship, strengthening the bonds of family, community, and nation. Especially when Ramadan, Islam's fasting month, begins, fasting occurs not just individually but at the national and communal level. All government offices and public institutions close early, and individuals and businesses join in, encouraging voluntary fasting for Ramadan. All restaurants nationwide cease operations from sunrise until sunset. Except for a few famous hotels, there are no places to eat during the day at ordinary restaurants.

Thus, the common people living day to day and the poor souls of this land endure the time from early morning until sunset without even a sip of water, armed with physical endurance and a shred of hope for paradise. This period shifts annually according to the Islamic calendar. In years when the fasting month falls in the height of summer, the suffering of those who fast is immense. Fasting without water throughout a day of physical labor, drenched in sweat pouring down like rain even at rest, is an act of submission risking one's life. Yet, bound by unavoidable circumstances, some hide in back alleys to drink water or soothe their hungry stomachs with a single crumbled biscuit. Nevertheless, their communal fast is collective and compulsory, making it impossible to casually abandon or ignore in most cases.

After Ramadan begins each year, children participate in fasting if they wish. This is a source of pride for them and is praised as an act demonstrating maturity. As the day's fast (Rojam) draws to a close, free meals provided by the wealthy for charity are distributed on the streets at sunset. Through such acts, the wealthy accumulate merit toward the possibility of salvation, while the poor gain a sense of relief in their present circumstances. Both the wealthy and the poor, desiring to enter heaven, seek that path through the law and endure fasting as a means to control the desires of the flesh.

Brother A has believed in Jesus for many years, but finding it difficult to disregard Ramadan as a communal Islamic observance, he outwardly fasts in his home and among his many brothers and relatives. Nevertheless, Brother A confesses, "I hope to know Jesus more deeply and live according to my confession of faith. He confesses, “I plan to share the gospel with my wife, who has not yet received Jesus, during this Ramadan. Please pray that my family will quickly come to believe in Jesus,” as he perseveres through this Ramadan.

Amidst the exhaustion of facing Ramadan in a nation where economic crisis has become routine, there is a clear change. Hidden peoples are being revealed, and previously unseen paths are opening, leading them toward the gospel. We hope the souls of this land will confess their spiritual poverty beyond their physical poverty and seek the true path of salvation, not the law. We hope they will recognize that this path is not by works but through the gospel, that it is the day of salvation granted by the Lord, and that it is God's grace.

[Today’s prayer]

1. May You make over 100 nations aware of the day of salvation, and may they rise as the ultimate weapon of the gospel to endure the final battle by faith, becoming a people who serve the nations!

2. May the members of the body of faith not be discouraged during Ramadan, but may they boldly and faithfully confess their freedom in Christ without compromise!

3. Pour out spiritual leadership upon all churches in Pakistan, enabling them to fulfill the mission of proclaiming the true path of salvation to Muslims bound by religious law in this land!