I am a Maltese missionary working in Pakistan. Our ministry is mainly in the fields of education, health and social work. We make many visits to families where we strengthen the people in their Christian faith, help the children with their homework and try to promote the role of women who, in this country, are still denied many of their rights.
Our work is just a drop in an ocean of needs. The greatest problem is illiteracy. It is a common sight to see children running about in the streets and others collecting garbage from communal skips. Child labour is also very common in Pakistan. Often these children are not paid for their work but are given a daily meal, so although they are not a financial help to the family, they become less of a burden when they are around the table – if they have one! As we believe that education will save the person, we try to invest most of the donations we receive by offering the possibility of education for these children, with the hope of opening new horizons for their future. You understand that it is impossible to help them all, as we lack the financial means. However we do what can.
I would like to thank the Mission Fund for its untiring work in fund-raising activities so that are able to help all the Maltese missionaries. I would like to thank them sincerely for the donation of €2, 000 that they have given me this year. I would also like to express my gratitude to all the Maltese people who always respond generously whenever they are called to contribute to any charitable cause. We might be the ones who are working directly in the field but without your help we truly can do little. I encourage you to continue to offer your donations and to send used stamps to the Mission Fund and to help in any other possible way.
Donations may be made online or by direct bank transfer to one of the following accounts: HSBC (Account No: 061 197 448 050), BOV (Account No: 163 007 980 19), APS (Account No: 200 008207 62) or BANIF (Account No: 000 879 631 01).
More information may be accessed from our website: www.missionfund.org.mt
May the Lord who rewards every glass of water given to the needy fill your heart and your household with every kind of blessing. You are all in our daily prayers.
Sr Natalie Abela
Lahore, Pakistan.