In Pakistan ’s northeastern Punjab province, Muslim villagers are raising funds to help their poor Christian neighbors build a church .The initiative was begun shortly before Easter by a group of Muslims from a village in Faisalabad, Pakistan ’s textile -manufacturing hub .“ There is a tiny Christian population in the village — only 20 families — who have no place to worship , ” Fr. Aftab James, the local priest, told Anadolu Agency .“ Only days before Easter, the initiative was taken up by our Muslim brothers ,” he said . According to Fr . James , Christians of the village had to use someone ’ s home — or some other site — to perform prayers on holy days .“ Muslim residents of the town, however , offered to build us a chapel as a gift,” he said . “ We are thankful to our Muslim brothers for this wonderful gesture . It makes us feel proud , ” the priest said .The local Christian community is now very excited that they will soon have a church in the village .
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER “ Before we had to rent or borrow a house in which to hold Christmas, Easter and other festivities,” Faryad Masih , a Christian laborer , told Anadolu Agency .“ But now we will soon have our own chapel ,” he said .“ At first I didn’ t believe it when Muslim community leaders said they would build us a chapel ,” he recalled.“ But to my surprise, construction work began within one month of the initial announcement , ” a visibly excited Faryad said . “ Our community ’s longtime dream is now coming true , ” he said .Christians, Pakistan’s largest religious minority , account for roughly 3 percent of the country ’ s total population of some 180 million.Most of them reside in Punjab , Pakistan’ s largest province , where they are mainly involved in the sanitation , nursing and teaching sectors .Almost 60 percent of Pakistan’s Christian community is Protestant, while the rest are Catholic . The country ’ s Christians are represented in Pakistan ’s government and Senate , and in national and provincial assemblies .
