THE FRONTIER NEWS. Special Edition, September Diocese of Peshawar Church of Pakistan

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1 THE FRONTIER NEWS Special Edition, September 2014 Diocese of Peshawar Church of Pakistan You are not Forgotten Thanks Giving Services led by Bishop Samuel Azraiah, Moderator Church of Pakistan at All Saints Church, Peshawar Christian Community Commemorates Hero s and Martyrs of All Saints Church, Peshawar After a year on Monday the 22 nd September, 2014, thanks giving services were conducted the whole day from 8:00am till 9:00pm. The service held at 11:45am( the time when blast occurred last year) and at 4:30pm witnessed the massive gatherings. People not only from all over Pakistan but also from abroad came to pay their tribute to the survivors and martyrs and to share solidarity with the effected famlies. Muslims also visited, including the local shop keepers, neighbors around the Church, delegation from the Pakistan Peoples Party, delegation from Awami National party, and delegation from Passpan a local human rights group. Families and friends of the martyrs and injured were there to be a part of these historic masses. Under the leadership, advice and guidance of the Bishop, DoP, the parish commettee, Women Desk, Youth and the Junior Church along with the clergy, made the whole day memorable. All the Church schools were closed on specail request. All the services were held at the All Saints Church while all other programmes i.e. skits, specialy hymns, speaches and poetry etc. were held at the Edwards High School, opposite the Church. Special thanks and apprieciations to the St. Johns Cathedral who arranged food, tea and other refreshments throughout the day for everone who came to pay their tributes. Around 9000 peoples came for the comemoration day while around 4000 atended the eveing worship. The gathering included Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs. The 11:30am service was led by the Rt. Revd. Humphrey S. Peters along with all the pastoral team. In his sermon the Bishop elucidated the importance of martyrdom and the status of a martyr. The Diocesan Youth Desk with The All Saints Church Youth organized the prayer for the Martyrs and Injured youth. Continued on Page-2 All the Bishop s present at the Service Bishop Humphrey Leading the Service Service held at 11:45am: the time of blast

2 Christian Community Commemorates. Children performing religious songs and skits to mark the occasion Clergy during the special service Continued from page-1 members and presented a documentary on the contribution of martyr members to the youth. Healing ministry offered a prayer for the wounded people. Around 1000 to 1500 people attended the service. Print and electronic media covered the whole service and the congregation, and people from different organizations also visited, lit candels in the martyrs gallery area and decorated it with flowers. The evening service was led by the Rt. Revd. Humphrey S.Peters and the sermon was shared by the Rt. Revd. Samuel Azariah, the Moderator Bishop of Church of Pakistan. In which he emphasized on the true Christian faith, the hardships that Christians have to face in the last time and the reward for such faithfulness. Along with Bishop Samuel Azariah and Bishop Humphrey S. Peters, Bishop Azad Marshal (Iran & Gulf), Bihop Leo Paul (Multan), Bishop Irfan Jamil (Lahore), Bishop Earnest Jacob (Anglican Orhodox), the Revd. A.R. Hasmat ( Chair AOG), the Revd. Fr. John William (Roman Catholic) were behind the holy table. Page 2 Holy Communion was celebrated at the end. Dinner was also served for the gathering. The Bishop and the Diocese of Peshawar, church of Pakistan is indebted to CMS England and Asia for sharing their concerns, love and care for the Church in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & FATA and the Church in Pakistan. We are immensely grateful to the Revd. Paul Thaxter, Director of International Mission, Church Mission Society England who came all the way to All Saints Peshawar to share solidarity with the martyrs and injured of the All Saints Church and also to Mr. Aamir Shahzad of Asia Church Mission Society, Islamabad Office, for joining and sharing the solidarity. It was indeed a heart touching service when the whole Christian Community of Pakistan particularly and the world generally came together in the presence of our Lord, praying and giving thanks for the martyrs as well as the survivors of All Saints Church. (a)the Revd. Paul Thaxter, Church Mission Society, England (b. Extreme Right) Mr. Amir Shahzad, Asia Church Mission Society, Islamabad The congregation at All Saints Church, Peshawar

3 Thanks giving for the Martyrs, eyes wet for the injured who are still on beds The Rt. Revd. Humphrey. S. Peters The 22nd of September 2013 will be remembered for ever by the Church in Pakistan, the Global Church, and particularly in the Diocese of Peshawar, Church of Pakistan as 'Day of the Martyrs' of the All Saints Church, Peshawar City. Revelation 7: 9-17 has become a source of blessing and thanks giving for us in the Diocese of Peshawar: ''who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come? I said to him, Sir, you know, and he said to me, these are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, they are before the throne of God.'' What a joy that the Lord has chosen some believers from the All Saints Church, Peshawar city to always be before His throne, serving Him day and night, and the one who sits on the throne shelters them with His presence. Place of our Christian Martyrs is right in front of the Most Holy; praise the Lord. Today on the 22nd of September 2014, after a year of the double suicide attack, when I look at the severely injured who are still on the beds then I ask myself, our dear daughter Malala Yousezai of the majority community from Mingora, Swat got injured and the whole Europe and America jumped forward to help her. Right now Five (5) Christian Malalas, and two (2) young men, all victims of the double suicide attack, are still on the beds, can anyone come to help them? At the same time many orphans, widows and the disabled victims of the double suicide attack are a living witness of Christ in one of the most dangerous regions of the world, reminding the global body of Christ, the Savior s saying, 'I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you' (John 15:18)... 'They hated me without a cause' (John 15:25). Many groups in the World are waving their flags of helping the persecuted Church, but we the weaker parts of the Body of Christ here in Peshawar are still longing to see the beautiful feet of the Stronger parts of the Body of Christ to bring us some good news for the better treatment of our severely injured ones still on the beds. Better equipped with modern facilities hospitals in the world's developed cities can help our severely injured. One this commemoration day, members of the All Saints Church, and the Diocese of Peshawar (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & FATA) is indebted to all the individuals, local Muslim neighbors of the All Saints Church, NGOs, Mission agencies, different Churches and Dioceses, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan), Government of Sind (Pakistan), Government of Pakistan, and the Supreme Court of Pakistan for their support of prayers and other assistance to the victims of the double suicide attack, and their families at the time of their dire need. May the Lord bless them. The Rt. Revd. Humphrey S. Peters Bishop of Peshawar (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & Fata) Church of Pakistan Page 3

4 The Lost Future of Christian Community of Peshawar! Holy Communion led by Bishop Humphrey A Thanks Giving Service of Students of Edwardes College Peshawar, Merab William, Noel William, ShizaRiaz and Merab Naeem, who were martyred in All Saints Church blast last year, was held at the college premises on 19 th of September, This service held by SCM, Christian faculty and staff of Edwardes College and Diocese of Peshawar was a solemn observance of the tragic departure of young martyrs. Martyrdom is the baptism of angels, with these words of Bishop Cyprian of Carthage( Modern Tunisia) in 3 rd century, Ms. Humaira Imran, Lecturer in English has begun the service. We are paying tribute to the angles/martyrs of All Saints Church today through this service, she said further. The service proceeded with the welcome address by Mr. Azaz Tariq, lecturer in Chemistry. He expressed his gratitude to all who were present at the service and paid homage to our beloved students by saying that we all feel proud of our brave martyrs and remember them with profound fondness. Pictures of the Martyrs, Collage Students from those who are killed in a self-inflicted dispute with non-christian. A martyr is the one who is killed for obeying the will of God. They attain a little higher status than other as they become Saints and receive glorious bodies. Martyrdom paves the way to eternal home and status of Saint. Persecution resulting from personal grudges leading to death is not martyrdom, but merely death of this physical body. Further he quoted Mathew 10:17- to be guarding ourselves and shouldn t be inviting unnecessary persecution. We must cleanse inner selves and all our wrong and evil deeds must be placed at the alter and feet of out Lord, to live with God eternally, he said conclusively. Archdeacon the Revd. S.P Asghar, the Revd. Joseph John and Revd. Fayaz Channa assisted the Bishop. After the Holy Communion, Prof. Taj Masih thanked everyone present and Prof. Alvin Edwin, shared his thoughts. The service was ended with the prayer offered by the Revd. Patrick Naeem. Lunch was served afterwards for the guests and the faculty and staff of the collage. Prof: A. Edwin addressing the audiance Christian Student (M) Edwardians Christian Student (F) Edwardians Christian Martyrdom means a constant and daring struggle in the path of righteousness which tolerates no hindrance, no halt and no compromise in love for Jesus Christ and pursing His teachings and to be faithful till the end, he added. The Rt. Revd. Humphrey S. Peters, delivered a very heart touching and fruitful sermon, clearly differentiating the martyrs Page 4 Archdeacon. S.P Asghar, Bishop Humphrey, the Revd. Joseph John Prof: Taj Masih addressing the audiance

5 Remembering Our Martyrs &Heros Bishop Mano Rumalshah Bishop Samual Azzariah A massage from the Rt. Revd. Mano Rumalshah, Bishop Emeritus, Diocese of Peshawar. The sad and cataclysmic event of Sunday the 22 nd September, 2013 at All Saints Church Peshawar, is engraved on our hearts and has become an integral part of our memory. It will remain with us until the day that we too finish the course of this earthly life and hopefully move into the embrace of the Divine. I think the assembly of the faithful, held on Monday 22 nd September 2014, to solemnly observe this tragic event and to honour and commemorate our Martyrs and heros, was a reminder that the Community s concern for the victims is deep and real and that there is a sincere feeling that we must continue to be Christ's Witnesses in this part of the world. I am however deeply concerned as to what lessons have we learnt as a Christian Community not only in Peshawar, but in the whole country of Pakistan.Overcoming all our prejudices and denominational divides and jointly and purposefully working for the building up of an economically and socially viable Community.Our economic paucity has placed us at the bottom of the social and economic strata of Society. If we don't make a concerted effort, we will sadly continue to be trampled upon. So let us resolve under God to get up and stand on our feet. Bishop Mano Rumalshah Bishop Emeritus, Diocese of Peshawar September 22, 2014 Message from the Moderator, Church of Pakistan. On completion of this first year of the barbaric, insane and inhuman act, of a small group of Islamic religious radicals and zealots, on the lives of innocent children, women and men who had come a year ago for Sunday worship at All Saints Church, I say with confidence that Human Life belongs to God the Creator. Damaging, disfiguring, disturbing, destroying or killing any human life in any form for any reason, is not only a sin against humanity but a major sin against God, who is loving, forgiving, kind and benevolent, being the sole author of life. This brutal act is not only a violation of human life and human dignity, but is against the teaching of all institutional religions especially Christianity and Islam. The All Saints Church family and other such families of Christian martyrs, instead of exhibiting hatred and bitterness, continue praying for the culprits of the blast. They are practically livingthe Words of Jesus Christ on Cross: "Father Forgive them for they know not what they believe and do.." During my visit to the people I found them firm in their faith and this steadfastnesswas echoed as The enemy can take my immortal, weak and dead flesh but they cannot take my life and faith in The Lord Jesus Christ." Let us continue to pray and struggle for Peace and Reconciliation in Pakistan, so that Truth and Justice will prevail. May The Lord Bless His Church and our nation Pakistan. Bishop Samuel Azariah Moderator/Presiding Bishop for the Church of Pakistan September 22, 2014 Page 5

6 Remembering Our Martyrs of All Saints Church The Very Rev. Canon Patrick Pervez Augustine Bishop Rufin Anthony The Very Rev. Canon Patrick Pervez Augustine, D.Min. DD.Canon and Commissary of the Diocese of Peshawar in USA We are living in uncertain times. On surveying the world we see violence and hatred against humanity and minorities everywhere. This year at the first remembrance day of the Martyrs of All Saints Church, Peshawar, we held a memorial service in solidarity with the members of All Saints Church in Peshawar, at La Crosse, Wisconsin, Christ Episcopal Church and First Free Church in Onalaska. I preached on Hebrew 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison, with them, those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. We give thanks to God for your living witness under such oppression and difficult circumstances. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.In the sign of Cross you shall conquer the forces of darkness, oppression, hatred and evil. We stand in solidarity with you and constantly praying for you. A massage from the Bishop Rufin Anthony, Diocese of Islamabad/Rawalpindi. You are not alone! No words can possibly adequately describe the horror and tragedy of the attack on the Christian Community in Peshawar one year ago. On this anniversary memorial, it is still too hard and too painful to try to come to terms with what happened. Innocent, ordinary people gathered together in faith to worship September 22, 2014 God as a community are the last group of people that one could imagine would be attacked. The wounds of what happened, (physical, spiritual and emotional), will last for a generation or more to come; the pain of living without those who were killed, a lifelong pain. In such tragic circumstances, it is only our common humanity, expressed through our mutual consolation, solidarity and support, that can offer a way forward. Along with all our Christian brothers and sisters, the Roman Catholic Church sends its prayers and love to all those who continue to be effected by this tragedy. Our dignity as children of God, through the gift of our baptism, urges and strengthens us to both survive and thrive. Our Lord s words are the best, Do not fear! In solidarity with you all and with God s love.

7 22 nd September, 2013: A Memory A Remembrance Page 7 Shan U l Haq Joseph The All Saints Church youth president and a student of BS Economics at The University of Peshawar. Sunday, September 22, 2013 will certainly stand as one of the blackest day in the history of Pakistan. This day reminds us the brutal attack that struck down the Christian community. The entire nation was left in great remorse and shaken the world. Everywhere it was the state of shock and tears were expressing the language of grief. The whole nation stood united against the incidence as a single body. Many people endowed for the effectives in the form of spiritual and financial assistance. This attack left many question and responsibilities on each individual to understand the importance of blood of the martyrs and sanguine people, the message for the patronage of our faith and blessings that we need to share with others being the Christian. The attack has united the entire nation against the specific mindset. National and international community stood in prayers and provided financial assistance for the affected families. Many important public figures around the globe condemned this brutal attack. There were huge rallies across the border to condemn this attack and to express the solidarity with the affective families. Each drop of the blood that had fell from the martyrs and wounded people worth a lot. The Pakistani Christian has come under one umbrella for one purpose as one community beyond their own denomination. This blood teaches us about the true Christian faith and reminds about the reward that is promised in the Rev 2:10 and according to the Rev 6:9 we know about the Holy place where our martyr brother and sisters are. Today after one year of the incidence we need to look for our blessings that we get on each day of our life, the purpose of being Christian, the commandments of Jesus Christ and the spiritual standing of our souls. Our deeds must be according to the Bible so we may rejoice in the same way and get the same standings that our martyrs have today in the heaven. We need to unite for faithful Christian community. We must share our blessings and comfort one another. The one year and many forthcoming years will be over but we need to realize the purpose of their lives and prove these words Rung laey ga shaheedon ka Lahoo. The blood of martyrs will bear fruit. Shaleem John BS (Computer Science) student at FAST- NUCES (University of Computer and Emerging Sciences), Peshawar. 22 nd September 2013, the day that cannot be forgotten. The day which left everyone speechless. The day when the time hold still. It was the day of distress for the Christians. That day made every human being of any creed around the world gob smacked and many families lost their loved ones. The loss on that day can never be filled with any other thing because the innocent human lives are very precious than any other thing in this world. It was a lovely sunny day. Like every Sunday, the people were coming to the All Saint s Church with their families to worship God. The children went happily to the Sunday school. I went to the Church with my friend Sohail Pervaiz. Neither I nor anyone in the church had ever imagined that what will happen in an hour or two. The choir and the people were praising God s name by hymns. Everything was normal. The two suicide bombers detonated themselves with the time lapse of 10 seconds after the prayer ended. I didn t see the suicide bombers entering the church. I and my friend were talking to each other when suddenly we heard an explosion. Its sound was so high that our ears were clogged. I, for a moment thought that it s the sound of the clouds but unfortunately it wasn t. My heart started beating very fast. A man who was just standing behind me got seriously injured, fell and held my shoulder as his legs were hit by pellets. He asked me to pick him up as he was not able to stand by himself. I wasn t in my senses while my friend ran towards his family to see them. My heart was just beating so fast that I can t explain. I held that man and laid him on the floor. My friend was shouting for me but I could hardly hear him. It was a dreadful situation. All I saw was the bodies of people whom I knew for years. All I saw was the flesh and blood of the people around me. I wasn t even able to walk properly. The Muslims too came for help. They showed humanity as they felt our pain as theirs. Even today when I and my friend think about that day, it terrifies us. Looking at the people especially your relatives and family in such situation is apocalypse for everyone. It was a miracle of God that we both were saved that day. Now after a year it still seems as that happened just yesterday as we haven t forgotten the people we used to know, with whom we used to share our happiness. This year had been the toughest for us. The people faced a lot of problems without their loved ones. Many quitted to attend the church out of fear but slowly with prayers and counseling they started coming to church, which affirms the steadfastness of our faith in Jesus Christ. August 2014 Volume VII, Issue VIII The Frontier News

8 A Massage by Kashmala Munawar (bomb blast victim) Memorial Service in Scotland Kashmala Munawar To live in peace and harmony respecting each other and be tolerant On the Anniversary of the suicide bomb attack of All Saint s Church in Peshawar Pakistan. On this anniversary of the bomb blast in our Church in Pakistan, I remember all those families whose sons, daughters and relatives have died or injured. I pray for them they may get better very soon. I also pray for the bomb blasters that may God guide them not to kill innocent people especially Christians. One thing I must say that these people may have hurt me physically but mentally they have made me stronger in my faith in Jesus Christ. My request to the people of the world is to live in Pease and Harmony respecting each other and be tolerant. I thank the All Saint s Urdu Church in Melbourne for remembering the Victims of the deadly bomb blast. God bless you all The Revd. Aftab Gohar, Scotland To mark the first Anniversary of Martyrs of All Saints' Church Peshawar, Rev. AftabGohar organized a memorial service in his Church in Scotland on Saturday 27th September This service was attended by about 250 people. This service was led by Rev. AftabGohar, and the Rt. Rev. Mano Rumalshah (Former Bishop of Peshawar ), the Very Rev. Lorna Hood (Former Moderator of Church of Scotland), and Mr. Sandy Sneddon (Asia Secretary, World Mission Council CoS) were the guest speakers. They shared very moving and emotional words with the congregation. Rev. Lorna McDougall, Rev. David Bunyan, Rev. Mahboob Noble, Rev. Peter Gill and Canon Leo Glancy, led in prayers and Scripture readings. 'The Church Choir' and 'The Sunbeam Singers' decorated the service with beautiful hymns. Rev. Aftab Gohar shared the stories of Martyred and Injured Members of All Saints' Church through the power point presentation. Shahan Gohar read a very moving poem in remembrance of his Grandma and Cousins. It was really very emotional service. Refreshment was served after the service. Page 8 Kashmala at the time of blast Mr. Sandy Sneddon, Scotland

9 Views Martyr Mr. Raiz Washington with his family Come home papa, come back to us papa his daughter still keeps calling him all the time Mrs.Farzana, sister of Mr. Raiz Washington, martyr All Saints Church, expressed her emotions regarding her elder brother. They have spent their childhood together and people were used to call her MR. Raiz s brother. She is still in shock and unable to understand why that day her brother left her, when they were always together till 22 nd Sep, Mr.Raiz led such a life which is role model for everyone. I have lost a hardworking, intelligent, loyal, sincere and loving care friend and brother, she said. He was a caring son, a best brother, a loving father and a faithful and pure hearted husband. In spite of our agony and torment, we believe that he is with our Lord Jesus, he lived for Jesus and died for Him, We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus,. ( 2 Corinthian 4:10). Mr. ShamounFarhan, Brother- Mr. Raiz Washington was not only my elder brother but was a role model for me. He was God Mrs. Farzana with Raiz's Children fearing and always followed the right path. Its due to his hard work and efforts that we all his siblings are educated and acquired good higher posts. He guided us not to indulge in bad society. In 22 nd Sep, 2013 blast he was hit hard in head and couldn t survive. He took his last breath in my hands and left us to be with our Lord Jesus. His three Children Sharoon Bhatti, Philmoon Bhatti and little angel (daughter) Shaleem Riaz, not only miss him tremendously but wait for his return. It was his daughter s birthday on 22 nd and he has promised her to bring a cake, but couldn t live up to fulfill it. After a year she still says that I wish I shouldn t have born on the same date, same time of the blast, when my father has slept in the Lord. I as a brother have lost a very dear friend and in the midst of all the sorrow, grief and anguish of heart and mind I remember the dream of my uncle who saw him exalted in heaven in white attire with a smiling face. (Revelation 7:14).

10 Views Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and On going Healing Shalom with his martyred parents and sister Shalom Naeem Nazeer 10 th class student, St. Mary s High School 22 nd September 2013, came in my life as a turning point which changed everything. I ve lost my parents Mr. Naeem Nazeer, Mrs. Mona Naeem,elder sister ( three years older) Merab Naeem and my uncle in Nasir Naeem in that tragic and brutal attack. Now I am living with my grandfather, uncle and aunty, but I feel lonely and miss my family a lot. No one can replace their love, care and concern in my life. There is no substitute for their guidance, advice and presence in my life, but I believe God never leaves us alone and He has sent my relatives to take care of me. The eternal peace of God is with me and as Job has said, The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. (Job 1:21),this is the faith I am living with and will always be steadfast in it. I m proud to be a son of martyr parents and believe that they and my sister are with Father Abraham in heaven. They didn t die they are alive by achieving the status of martyrs. A year has passed and I feel that it all has happened just yesterday, that inhuman act gives me Goose bumps every time I think of it. In spite of all this, I am grateful to my Lord whose mercy, grace, bliss and strength is upon me and will keep me till the end of my course of life. Revd. Mathew Jeong and Sue A massage from the Revd Mathew, Bishop s Commissary for the Far East. My wife, Sue and I were invited by the Rt. Revd. Humphrey S. Peters to meet and serve each and every family directly affected from the 22 nd September twin blasts at All Saints Church, from 13 th February th March 2014 (40 Days). We were greatly privileged to be entrusted for the task of providing pastoral care for the individuals and re-assess the situation of them all, to decide how to allocate and distribute the funds, to revive the congregations of the All Saints Church in every possible way in social uplift, spiritual renewal and further development, and making final lists of all the martyrs, the injured, orphans, widows, and widowers. We accomplished the assigned task with great zeal and enthusiasm by visiting all the effected families. Incredibly, although the victims did not know who was responsible for the atrocity, nearly all of them had forgiven the perpetrators. Jesus teaches us with his life model to forgive our enemies, they said, and we remember his prayer on the cross: Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. (Luke 23: 34).May God use their living witness to show the world hope in Jesus!

11 Peace and Solidarity Rally 14 th September, A Peace rally was organized by SSPD ( Strive for Sustainable Peace & Development) organization. The chief executive Mr. Jamshed Thomas, Mr.EmmanuelProgramme Director, Ms. RimashJamshed Finance Manager and Mr. John Philips Senior Programme Officer, along with a large number of our Catholic brothers and sisters came to All Saints Church to share their solidarity and to pay tribute to the commendable faith of All Saints Church Family over this last year. They lit candles and decorated the area with flowers where the bomb exploded a year ago. A brief service was also conducted by SSPD led by the Rt. Revd. Humphrey S. Peters, which was attended by a large congregation.

12 Church Comments The Revd. Rasheed Nazir The Revd. Patrik Naeem The Revd. Fayaz Chana The Revd. Zia Mirza The Rev. Rasheed Nazir. Vice President Clergy, Diocese of Peshawar. Ever since the rise of Christianity, the Christians have always been a target and victim of the extremist groups and rulers, as the history stands witness. When the All Saints Church was built the final step was to erect The Cross at the top. At that very moment the Muslim majority Pushtoons (the locals) opened fire and killed (Martyred) nine people at the spot. Still there is an aperture in the Cross at the top which constantly reminds us the incident and makes our faith stronger. The incident of 22 nd September,2013 is just the continuity of the history of the All Saints Church; thus, persecution of Christians. This incident shook the Christian community of Peshawar to its core, but they never stopped coming to Church. In fact, it has reinforced their love for Jesus Christ, in addition the incident has united the Christian brotherhood and they love, help and care for each other without discrimination of denomination or creed. The Rev. Patrick Naeem. Acting Priest In Charge of All Saints Church. I was transferred to All Saints Church from Cathedral Church Peshawar on 4 th November, 2013, after the twin bomb blasts, and was entrusted by the Rt. Revd. Humphrey S. Peters the task of visitation to all the effected families. I took it as a challenge to bring people out of their spiritual downfall. Me and my fellow pastors religiously visited all the families, prayed and shared the Word of God with them. People were very afraid and reluctant to come to the church and very few attended the church, but through our regular visits and counseling meetings, they overcame their fears and again started coming to the church. I pray to God to strengthen our faiths and make us worthy to be faithful until death.. The Rev. Fayyaz Chana. Associate Priest All Saints Church. The suicidal bomb attacks on All Saints Church has become an historic day in the world church history. This has left the Christian community perplexed and agonized. This tragedy has hit every single home of All Saints family and it was like that death is prevailing everywhere. People got so much scared that even a tire bursting on road felt like a bomb blast to them. But this fear hasn t shattered the faith of All Saints community. Today after one year we have deep and firm faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. ( 2- Timothy 3:12). The Rev. Zia Mirza. Associate Priest All Saints Church. Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry not only preached about the Kingdom of God but also predicted that His followers will be persecuted for His name sake. Matthew 5:10 tells us that those who are persecuted because of righteousness will enter the Kingdom of God. We ll only understand this mystery when we ll be with God. People of God are being persecuted since the beginning, and the martyrs and victims of All Saints Church blast are the recent example of it. I was in the church when this inhuman act was done and I remained there till the evening when the church gates were closed. I ve seen that along with Christian community, our Muslim neighbors came for help and were with us through all those days. Page 12

13 Q & A with The Revd. Andrew Bowerman A candle Illuminates a lot of darkness, and the Church is the light The World is amazed that after the bomb blast the Church is still growing rapidly: The Revd. Bowerman The Revd. Andrew Bowerman is the Co-Executive Director, Anglican Alliance, Main office Anglican Communion London. He was here in Peshawar on a goodwill visit to promote Peace and enhanced ties between the Anglican Communion and the Church of Pakistan. Q: How to build the capacity of the Church across Pakistan, in your opinion? A: The Church in Pakistan through its social and economic programmes influences directly /indirectly on uplift of the Christian Community. Thus, it can improve things through improved Governance, Leadership, and Management. A candle Illuminates a lot of darkness, and the Church is the light He added. Q: You also paid a visit to the Elizabeth Girls High School, the oldest in Peshawar. What is your opinion regarding Education system in Pakistan? Q: Is this your first visit to Peshawar? A: No, I used to work with an NGO ( ) called Orphan s Refugees and Aid (ORA) in Peshawar. However, it s nice to be back after such a long time. Q: You are a Priest, and serving an NGO, kindly explain? A: I have a Master Degree in Social Work, and became a Priest, later. Q: How does a Degree in Social Work helps you in your duties as a Priest? A: My training in Social Work helps me to understand better the Socio-economic problems of the people and communities around the globe. The Anglican Communion through its collaborative mission works and promotes a World free of poverty, Inequality, Conflict and Injustice, and its three pillars are; Development, Relief and Advocacy. Thus, building a Just and Sustainable World. Q: How do the Church and Anglican Alliance helps the communities around the world? A: The Church is helping the poor to transform their lives, both spiritually and physically, and it also has programmes for economic empowerment for women and girls. A: One can promote true Peace through Education, and the Church can transform the Education system by improving thinking and promoting positive attitudes. Q: Usually the foreigners are advised by their embassies not to visit Peshawar, but you are here? A: Well, the security concerns are always there, but I preferred to visit Peshawar Diocese, and used the opportunity to also exhibit my/our Solidarity with the injured and affectees of the blast in Peshawar. Q: How do the people in your country see the incident of the bomb blast at the All Saints Church, Peshawar? A: Everybody condemns such cowardly acts of terrorism against vulnerable people and communities. However, I must say that the world is amazed that even after the bomb blast incident the Church is still growing rapidly. It warms my heart. Q: How do you see the future of the Peshawar Diocese and the Church of Pakistan? A: Well, I am thankful to the Rt. Revd. Humphrey S. Peters and Peshawar Diocese for their warm welcome and hospitality. I have visited a few projects and feel satisfied that the Diocese is going in the right direction. However, the Church of Pakistan could be more united as One Body of Christ, in my humble opinion. Page 13

14 Special Service held on September 22, 2014 at All Saints Church, Peshawar in Images 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 14