THE FRONTIER NEWS. October: Diocese of Peshawar Church of Pakistan

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1 THE FRONTIER NEWS October: 2014 Diocese of Peshawar Church of Pakistan Individual Highlights Interfaith Seminar 1 Annual Clergy Conference 2 Seminar on Evangelism 2 Centennial Celebration of Nathia Gali Church 3 Ceremonies Development & Relief 3 Run Nat, Youth Visits 4 The Church Cares 5 Interfaith Seminar October 1, 2014: The Norwegian Church Aid, International Department, Faith Based Organizations convened a meeting with community leaders and members of the World Council of Religions, along with the Faith Friends, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The theme of the seminar was Peace Building Initiatives and Challenges in Pakistan. The representative of the World Council of Religions the Rt. Revd. Samuel Azriah, Moderator Church of Pakistan was among the guests of honor. Whereas, the Faith Friends representatives included; Bishop Humphrey S. Peters Diocese of Peshawar, Doctor Qibla Ayaz, Muslim Community, Dr. Allama Kararvi, Shia Sect, Muslim Community, Mr. Haroon Serb Diyal, Hidu Community, Mr. Charan Jeet Singh, Sikh Community, The Revd. Shahzad Murad, Diocese of Peshawar, Mr. Muzzam Julian, Mr. Maqsood Ahmad Salafi, and Mr. Fazal Rahim Awan. In the morning session/meeting the Civil Society Organizations of Pakistan leaders gave a briefing about the situation of religious minorities in Pakistan. In the next session the minority/majority communities collectively discussed matters regarding theme, aims and objective of the conference. Whereas, Dr. Qibla Ayaz, pioneer member of the Faith Friends highlighted the significance of intra/interfaith harmony to promote peace at National and International level through this forum. The Rt. Revd. Samuel Azriah said that all these challenges are in fact an opportunity to consider that today many are convinced of the importance of interfaith, and want to promote inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue. Today, people understand that only a society based on equality, and mutual respect for each other s beliefs can survive and prosper. He said. All we need is sincere efforts to keep the hope alive, as there is nothing impossible with God. He added. Later Bishop Humphrey Peters, Diocese of Peshawar held a meeting with the delegate of the Church of Sweden and Bishop Samuel Azriah, Moderator Church of Pakistan. The programme ended with prayers, followed by refreshments. Bishop Samuel Azriah during the conference Bishop Humphrey at the conference A view of the conference

2 Annual Clergy Conference Seminar on Evangelism Bishop Humphrey conducting the session October, 2014: The Annual Clergy Conference was held at Retreat Centre, Khanpur. The theme of this conference was My Prestigious Steps in Christ. The keynote speaker of this conference was the Rt. Revd. Humphrey S. Peters. He shed light on the life of a God s servant. He in detail discussed theme of the conference and provided guidelines regarding life, service and conduct of a priest and stated that a priest s life should be ov a role model The attentive clergy during the session for his congregation, therefore he should follow the footsteps of Jesus. Thus a priest needs to become a source of inspiration for others, and not only for the Christian community but for the people from other faiths as well. The very Revd. S.P Asghar in his session highlighted problems and hurdles faced by a priest during his service, however, he guided them how to overcome all the difficulties and problems while serving God and His people. The Revd. Shahazad Murad, Secretary Mission & Ministry in his presentation also delivered a very motivational massage for the clergy to keep their faith stronger and hope alive during all kinds of crisis October, 2014: With the blessings of Rt. Revd. Humphrey S. Peters, a seminar on Evangelism was organized by the Revd. Shahazad Murad, Secretary Mission & Ministry, Diocese of Peshawar. The venue was St. John s Cathedral, Peshawar. The theme of the seminar was The Contemporary Methods of Mission and Evangelism in Islamic Context. The keynote speaker was Revd. Dr. Pervez Sultan, Principal St. Thomas Theological Collage, Karachi. Dr. Sultan in his sessions touched sensitive matters and issues regarding Evangelism in Islamic context. He quoted numerous references discussed in detail the hurdles, sensitivities and opportunities. Thus, he motivated and raised hope for all those who in one way or another are associated with Evangelism. Apart from the priests and congregation of the Church of Pakistan, a large number of priests and pastors from other denominations also participated in the seminar. They all appreciated the topic of seminar many confessed that they felt being illuminated through this seminar. The Revd. SP Asghar delivering message Page 2 October 2014 Volume VII, Issue IX The Frontier News

3 Centennial celebrations of the Nathia Gali Church The Revd. Rasheed Nazir,Vice President Clergy, Revd. Patrik Naeem, Diocesan Secretary, Revd. Shahzad Murad, Secretary Mission & Ministry, Revd. Yousaf T.M Azam, Bishop s Chaplain, Col.(R) Kanwal Issac, Diocesan Treasurer, Mr. Nadeem Gill, Secretary Finance and Mr. Anjum Tasneem, Additional Secretary Property were also present at the occasion and took part in the thanks giving and prayer ceremony. September 26, 2014 : A special prayer service and thanks giving was held at the St. Mathew s Church Nathia Gali to celebrate and mark the 100 years of the Nathia Gali Church, which is landmark of this famous hill station of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. The Nathia Gali church is a wooden structure built by the East India Company Engineers, along with the local builders. Hence, it is labor of love and has passed the test of times. Even after a century it is still as good as new. It is need less to mention that the Diocese of Peshawar keeps it very dear, and takes good care of it on time, regarding the harsh weather and other wear and tear. The Revd. Rafique Javed, Priest Incharge, St. Luke s Church Abbottabad and custodian of the Nathia Gali church led the prayer service and the cake cutting ceremony. At this occasion a good number of the congregation from Abbottabad were also present and celebrated the 100 years of the Nathia Gali s Church existence which is a great witness of Christianity in the area. Later, everybody enjoyed a feast especially arranged for the occasion. Page 3 October 2014 Volume VII, Issue IX The Frontier News

4 Ceremonies Development & Relief Sector Bishop Humphrey with successful candidates Revd. Altaf Gohar during certificate distribution 31 September, 2014 : After successful completion of the course for the female bomb blast affectees the Beautician s Course closing ceremony was held at the Diocesan Centre, Peshawar. All the candidates of the course, the Diocesan staff and relatives of the course participants were also present at the occasion. After prayer and blessings, the Rt. Revd. Humphrey S. Peters distributed certificates of achievement among the successful candidates. It is needless to mention that the result was 100%. The Rt Revd. Humphrey S. Peters and the Revd. Altaf Gohar, Secretary Development & Relief congratulated the candidates and encouraged them to make a profession out of the trade they learnt during the course organized by Peshawar Diocese with the kind support of the Church of Scotland. 6 November, 2014: The Opening Ceremony of the U.P.S Engineering Course was held at Edwards High School, Peshawar. This course is specifically designed for the financial uplift of the All Saint s Church blast affectees. The programme started with prayer led by the Revd. Patrick Naeem, Diocesan Secretary. Col (R ) Kanwal Issac, Diocesan Treasurer was the Chief guest. In his speech he appreciated the Development Sector s efforts for the uplift and rehabilitation of the blast affectees. This course is highly valuable and I hope that the trainees of the course will benefit from this opportunity. He said. Col Kanwal Issac performing the opening ceremony Students of the UPS training course Page 4 October 2014 Volume VII, Issue IX The Frontier News

5 Run Nat, 2014 Youth Visits Group photo of the Marathon participants October 4, 2014: The National Sports Collation and the Diocesan Youth Desk organized a Marathon under the theme of Run for the Nation (Run Nat) which took place in Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu and Risalpur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Around 50 people participated in Peshawar s Marathon. After a four Kilometers of running the participants reached their finishing point, ie. St. John s Cathedral Peshawar, and the Revd. Joseph John led the prayer for Peace and Harmony in the region. Similarly, about 20 participants in the Marathon at Mardan. Their stating point was St. Paul s Sarhadi Church, Mardan and return back to the starting point after 3 Kilometers of running for the peace. The Revd. Murad Mushtaq, prayed for the Marathon and provided refreshments for the participants. Although, the situation of Bannu is quite critical nowadays, however 25 participants, including some IDPs from Waziristan ran for Peace and Prosperity in the region. Whereas, 18 participants in Risalpur also took part in the Run Nat and after a round of the Cantonment area they came back to the starting point after covering the approximate distance of 2 Kilometers. The programme ended with prayer and blessings by the Revd. Salamat Gill. Youth Council members with the Kohat s Youth The Diocesan Youth Officer, Mr. Insar Gohar, along with Ms. Sarah Asghar, President Youth Council, Mr. Samroon John, Secretary Youth Council and a team of Diocesan Youth Council visited Kohat, Risalpur, Haripur, Bannu, Swabi and Tarbella parishes and spent time with the youth groups. The purpose of this visits to various parishes was to strengthen the churches' youth groups, and to motivate them for the service of God and for their own communities. In all these parishes special 'Youth Sundays' were celebrated and the Church Youth Groups assisted the priests in Worship Services and delivered special messages. Later, the youth council's team held special meetings with the youth groups and encouraged them to further develop their Youth Ministry in their respective churches, and Parishes. At Risalpur parish, the Youth Council presented sports goods, donated by the 'National Sports Coalition', for the youth groups to promote sports and healthy activities among the young people. In September 2012, the protestors against the Blasphemous film burnt the St. Paul's Church and broke furniture and all other things inside the Church. The Church, Library and the St. Paul's School is situated in the heart of the Mardan Cantonment. However, the violent protestors sneaked into the premises and not only burnt the Church but the school, the library, the vicarage and two houses as well. The Church is renovated and has been re-dedicated this year. All the church activities once again are at its peak; hence the women fellowship, Sunday school Sunday school and youth group have been reformed. Thanks God, the church has a strong youth group, and is running very effectively. The Diocesan Youth Council Team, on their visit to Mardan on 26 October, appreciated the youth group for being one of the most active youth groups of the Diocese. The upcoming events of the Diocesan Youth Council were also shared with the youth group at this occasion. Later, the youth group presented its report, which was appreciated by all. A nice get-together and a fellowship lunch were also arranged.

6 The Church Cares. It s been almost over six months now that the Internally Displaced Persons of North Waziristan, Pakistan are still waiting to go back to their homes, but it does not seem possible in the near future. The Diocese of Peshawar is still hosting the Minority IDPs at the Diocesan Hospital, Bannu. All their basic needs have been taken care by the Diocese, including some cash for their personal expenses has been arranged and given. The cold winter is on, and the harsh weather is testing their patience, soon it will be the Christmas season but neither the IDPs nor the Diocese has given up hope. Now they (IDPs) need warm clothing, bedding, blankets etc. However, the Diocese is leaving no stone unturned to help the IDPs. Kindly remember the IDPs and Diocese in your prayers this winter. Peshawar Diocese s efforts, to help and care the IDPs from the North Waziristan at the Pannell Hospital, Bannu The Bishop s Bishopdop@hotmail.com The Diocesan Centre E.Mail Peshawar.Diocese@outlook.com Contact Us at: commdeskdop@gmail.com Visit Us at: Page 5 October 2014 Volume VII, Issue IX The Frontier News