Nasreen: ‘I never thought about spending money on such things for myself’

Pakistan’s Christian minority constitutes less than two percent of the population. Typically, they are much poorer than their Muslim neighbours. Life can be very difficult for families like that of Nasreen, whose husband is a day labourer. “Some days he finds work, and other days he does not,” she says. “To support our family, I work as a maid in people’s homes. It’s still difficult to meet the basic needs of our family.”

Nasreen (38) was invited to a gathering with other low-income villagers at which Blythswood’s partners gave them each a Box of Blessings, filled with gifts purchased in Pakistan and sponsored by the 2025 Shoe Box Appeal. She says: “We prayed, sang and listened as the pastor shared about Jesus, the Son of God, who is the greatest gift God has given to the world. In the midst of our day-today struggles, that gathering felt like a small ray of hope.”

Nasreen describes receiving the Box of Blessings as a very emotional experience. “When I opened it, I saw many things – the winter essentials, the snacks and especially the items for personal hygiene. These hygiene items were things I had never used before in my life, because we couldn’t afford them. I never thought about spending money on such things for myself.”