Bible Study Encourages Pakistani Youth to Embrace Identity
ECHD organized a Bible study titled “Identity in Christ in a Pluralistic Society” on Feb. 27 at the Voice of Christ Church in FGA Colony, Narang Mandi, Sheikhupura district.
At least 23 Christian youth — including 13 young women — participated in the session, which was facilitated by Hannan Mubasher, an ECHD alumnus. The ECHD delegation had traveled from Lahore to engage youth communities in the district.
Pastor Saddique Luka opened the program with a prayer based on Psalm 45. Pastor Akash Saleem encouraged participants to grow spiritually and rely on God as their helper amid personal and professional challenges.
In her introductory remarks, Rev. Ushba Barkat, Theological Officer of ECHD, explained that the commission promotes ecumenical understanding by helping young Christians appreciate the liturgical traditions of different churches.
“Our staff members belong to various denominations. As members of one body in Christ, we support one another to face challenges collectively,” she said.
Group Reflections
Participants were divided into four groups to reflect on Christian identity in a multi-religious society.
Group 1 reflected on how God perceives Christian youth. Citing 1 Peter 2:9, members described Christians as a “holy nation” and “royal priesthood.” They also referred to Epistle to the Philippians 2:20, emphasizing that “Christ lives in me.”
Sagar Yousaf an undergraduate and leader of Group 1 stressed that faith should guide daily life. One nursing student said she was proud to be created in God’s image, while Mafia a nursing student of BSN noted that Christian lives must reflect the truth of the Gospel and a clear sense of purpose.
Group 2, led by Pastor Saddique Luka, focused on dignity amid discrimination. Members affirmed that Christians, though often treated as inferior, draw their worth from Christ’s redemptive sacrifice.
“Our identity should not change under workplace pressure or financial hardship,” the group shared, emphasizing that believers should not conceal their faith.
Group 3, guided by Pastor Akash Saleem, encouraged youth to live with the confidence of belonging to a “royal family.” Participants discussed the social stigma attached to the term “Isai” (Christian) in Pakistan and urged one another to embrace their identity with pride and integrity.
Group 4, led by Sehar, a schoolteacher, emphasized being firmly rooted in Christ and bearing spiritual fruit. Members reflected on God’s intimate love, describing believers as belonging to the “King of Kings.”
They highlighted Christ’s example of compassion and nonviolence, noting that Jesus responded to hostility not with punishment but with love.
Concluding Message
In her concluding address, Rev. Ushba drew parallels between the early Christian community and contemporary Christians in Pakistan who live as a religious minority. Referencing 1 Peter, she noted that early believers faced alienation and persecution yet remained steadfast in faith.
Quoting Epistle to the Galatians 2:20 — “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” — she urged participants to ground their identity in their relationship with God rather than in societal perceptions or past mistakes.
“Our faith should be visible not merely in words but in attitude and action,” she said. She encouraged youth to remain confident in expressing their Christian identity, including giving their children biblical names, and reminded them that being born into the family of Christ is a reason for gratitude rather than fear.