“Climate Fasting’ at Lahore Park During Lent
Ducks glided across a calm lake while birds chirped among tall trees as a group of Christian youth quietly gathered at Model Town Park in Lahore for a Lenten reflection on caring for the environment.
ECHD organized the reflection on “climate fasting” for 21 Christian youth, including seven women, on March 4 at Model Town Park.
Participants gathered near a lake inside the park for the outdoor reflection. James Rehmat, ECHD director, said nature reflects the interconnectedness of God’s creation, but modern lifestyles have distanced humans from it.
“Everything in nature is integrated, but humans have become secluded in modern life,” he said. “God has diversified plants in many shades of green and colors. Listen to the sounds of birds — they are beautiful. We are meant to be custodians of nature, yet even here you can see waste plastic.”
Participants were then asked to spread out individually, choose a quiet spot, and spend 20 minutes reflecting only on nature. They were instructed to avoid phone calls and distractions.
Many captured photos of plants, ducks swimming in the lake, birds, and the splashing waves created by tourist boats, later sharing the images and short videos on social media.
After the reflection, the group reconvened near the park’s central sundial, located along its 2-kilometer jogging track. Amar Zara, an ECHD alumna, joined the circle barefoot after walking on the grass.
“Amid the chaos of daily life and constant noise, we needed this peace away from traffic,” she said. “Sadly, we have severed our relationship with nature. Sparrows have vanished from the city, but it was good to see them again here. God has entrusted us with this responsibility. Frequent floods in Pakistan are also a result of environmental damage.”
ECHD theological officer Ushba Barkat said reconnecting with nature reminded participants of childhood memories of enjoying birds and flowing canals.
Sneha Sadiq, a beautician trainee from Youhanabad, thanked ECHD for inviting her to Model Town Park for the first time.
“Water led to miracles in the Bible,” she said. “Trees give us oxygen and provide homes for birds. This place feels like freedom.”
Sister Rita Samson described the experience as unique and spiritually meaningful.
“It was a much-needed momentary retreat to reflect on the beauty of the universe,” she said. “The lake reminded me of the Book of Genesis, which begins with the Spirit moving over the waters. Christ spoke of living water to the Samaritan woman. We don’t always need big projects to reconnect with creation.”
Musa Shahbaz, ECHD communications officer, said access to clean air is becoming increasingly limited.
“To breathe fresh air, we often have to come to parks or northern mountain valleys,” he said. “Why not make our surroundings better instead?”
ECHD alumnus Asad Yousaf said the activity allowed participants to slow down and reflect deeply after a long time.
Aman Tair, another alumnus, said it was his first time noticing the sundial in the park.
“This event may be a small intervention, but it gave us a chance to listen to the rhythm of nature,” he said. “Human actions disrupt life. In a way, we were exiled from the Garden of Eden.”
Shiphra Sehreem said observing colorful plants inspired her faith.
“They stay in one place yet receive everything they need,” she said. “We can learn from them to trust God instead of constantly worrying about worldly things.”