Freedom: Rescuing Families from Debt Bondage
There are over two million Pakistani families are trapped in a form of modern-day slavery known as debt bondage. Human Rights Watch considers the problems of debt bondage in Pakistan to be among the worst in the world. This system involves exchanging labor for loans. Many are forced to take these predatory loans due to medical emergencies or natural disasters making any other kinds of work inaccessible. Families are then forced to live and work at the work site, most commonly brick-making sites. Because the basic necessities are not covered by the wages, workers are then forced to take out further loans and enter an endless cycle of debt. Generations of families end trapped in this system as children inherit their parent’s debt.
Brick kilns remain the worst and most dangerous work sites, forcing children as young as 7 years old and adults as old as 70 to work 16 hours a day to make 1,500-2,000 bricks for as little as $1.50 a day. For most, there is no way out of this life. Running away is also very risky as if you’re caught, it can result in extreme beatings and even death.
Our GCP-sponsored missionaries have specifically sought to spread the Gospel among families stuck in bondage in the brick kilns, with many of them having accepted the Lord despite their situation. GCP has started helping free families from this slavery, with several families already been completely freed because of GCP donors being willing to pay off their remaining debt. In addition to freeing these families, we have also provided them with a small business such as a fruit stand to help them establish their own income. GCP and our partnered ministries continue to be dedicated to offer these families freedom. It takes approximately 15 people to give $100 dollars to free a family from a lifetime of debt slavery. Prayerfully consider partnering with us to change the live in this modern day slavery!
Please pray that our GCP partnered ministries can continue reaching these families with the encouragement and love of Christ, and that the Lord will continue to make a path to set them free from bondage and debt.