Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the preached word of Christ.

Romans 10:17

We believe the Bible is the inerrant word of God. Our organization stands on God ’s Word alone. We believe in a Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). We receive the Lord ’s free gifts of forgiveness and salvation by faith alone. We believe these gifts are free to all who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

THE ENVIRONMENT IN PAKISTAN

LAND OF CONTRASTS

Islamabad is ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, yet 90% of Pakistan's 220 million citizens have total wealth of less than $10,000. Over 60% of the population is still classified as rural. As a former British colony, both English and Urdu are the official languages of Pakistan with another 4 significant languages.

A REMNANT

The 2017 Census showed the proportion of Christians in Pakistan to be 1.27%, half of which are Protestant and largely rural. Christian literature is scarce as are pastors who are theologically trained. During colonial rule, Christian schools were somewhat widespread and left a certain legacy of graduates open to another look.

REAL ESTATE

Even though average incomes are low in Pakistan, homes, land, construction and rental costs are similar to those in the U.S. Most of those transactions are conducted with cash, since mortgages and other financing is generally unavailable. Rents are collected a year in advance, but occasionally 6 months can be arranged.

WHO WE ARE

Rev Jay Dass & Julie

Pastor Jay Dass and Julie are 3rd generation Christians. They emigrated from Pakistan to the United States in the 1980’s, have two adult sons, and joined the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in 2010. In 2016, Jay began his Lutheran education through Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and has served as Vicar at Living Faith Lutheran Church in Cumming, GA under the supervision of Rev. Timothy J. Droegemueller. Julie, whose heart for sharing Jesus is contagious, is Jay ’s partner in ministry and is currently studying to become a deaconess in the LCMS. Jay and Julie are now serving in Pakistan under the

With LCMS President Matthew Harrison

In Islamabad with Head of Riga Latvia

Seminary, LCMS Rev Dr John Bombaro

leadership and supervision of Rev Jim Krikava, the Eurasia Mission Director and in partnership with several LCMS churches. Having been raised in Pakistan, Pastor Dass knows the language and culture. He is being led by the Holy Spirit to take true Lutheran theology into Pakistan, plant a church and share the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ with non - believers.

WHAT WE DO Nine in the Line!

Pastor Jay Dass, in concert with the English District and the Eurasia Mission, flew to Pakistan in March 2019 to begin the initial work to establish a Biblical Lutheran Church body in the capital city of Islamabad. He personally interviewed more than 22 candidates for the Office of the Ministry. Nine faithful men are being taught the Scriptures, Luther ’s Catechism, and the Lutheran Confessions. Each of these students have begun their training in theology and Lutheran Worship at the Luther Academy in Riga, Latvia. Only students who are self-supported and remain committed to becoming Lutheran pastors in Pakistan, preaching Christ crucified, and teaching all things Jesus has commanded were received into this process. Praise God!

Unexpected Miracle!

In January 2020, their third visit to Pakistan, Pastor Jay and Julie were given the duties

to assist the nine students in preparation for their move to Riga, Latvia. Then… a pan-

demic hit and the world shut down. Flights were grounded. Seminary was closed. All

plans were on hold. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of

the LORD that will stand. Proverbs 19:21 Jay and Julie spent the next 10 months rely-

ing on God ’s provisions and the Holy Spirit ’s guidance. During this time God ’s relief

work was done among the poor and outcast Christians in Muslim dominated Pakistan.

More than 25 families heard the Word of God and hungrily received Lutheran teaching.

The ministry began to spread like a Holy fire. This is the work of the Holy Spirit! Amaz-

ingly since then, 12 pastors from existing Christian churches in Pakistan have agreed

to enter the seminary pastoral colloquy program and to have their congregations

catechized. Thanks be to God!

With our Nine Seminarians

Our Newly Expanded Class

TO WORSHIP IN SPIRIT & TRUTH

If worship is a glimpse of "heaven on earth," then it stands to reason that what we do and say in worship should give us a foretaste of that great feast to come. Understanding the connection of music to the Divine Service enhances delivery to us of the eternal benefits of forgiveness, life, and salvation. Liturgy and hymns for eager new Pakistani Lutherans are largely learned by ear since musical training in English is scarce and music notation is almost non-existent in Urdu. Keyboards, hymnbooks and new translations will all help to build the culture of liturgical worship.

MAKING DISCIPLES FOR LIFE

Children and youth will provide a glimpse of the future of God's church in Pakistan. We know from Proverbs that when we train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it. And adults are also greatly affected by the simple wholesome faith they see expressed through the hearts and voices of little children. Printed Sunday School materials are desperately needed on an ongoing basis in both English and Urdu, and mentoring of new Sunday School teachers by those with experience is also needed.