“It’s as though God sent them to rescue us from slavery!” exclaimed Shamim, a widow and mother, who was among the 113 Christian families Barnabas freed from bonded labour in Pakistan’s brick kilns.
This latest effort brings the total to 213 families freed in the most recent phases of the project.
These families were bonded to the kilns because they had become trapped in debt due to loans they had no choice but to take from the brick kiln owners in times of hardship and crisis.
In the two most recent phases of our brick kiln project, Barnabas Aid has freed 213 families from bonded labour
Shamim’s difficult journey began when her husband, Ashraf, a skilled brickmaker who earned more than the average wage, fell ill.
“Doctors could not determine a diagnosis, and our savings quickly vanished under the weight of countless medical bills,” explained Shamim. “We even had to sell our belongings just to get by.”
In desperation, the couple took a loan from the brick kiln owner to cover Ashraf’s medical bills. However, despite the doctors’ efforts, he passed away from his illness.
This left Shamim and her young son with the debt, which forced them to stay and work at the kiln.
Until their debts are cleared, workers remain bonded to the brick kiln, unable to leave and get a better job. The ever-growing debt can take generations to pay off.
Shamim and her son Shakeel were left bonded in the brick kiln after her husband died from his illness
Brick kiln owners impose unmanageable levels of interest to their employees’ debt, deducting a portion of their already-low weekly wages to pay the interest. Families are left with barely enough to feed themselves, let alone pay back the money they owe.
Sometimes, even the children have to work just to make ends meet. Shamim’s son Shakeel began working in the kilns at just seven years of age.
“There were times when we barely had enough to survive,” recalled Shamim.
When they were freed from their debt and bonded labour through the gifts of Barnabas Aid supporters, Shamim praised God for answering her prayers for help.
“I can’t express how thankful we are for the timely relief that has freed us from our debt,” she said. “I couldn’t bear to see my young son continuing to suffer.”
“This aid feels like a divine provision for us. We are eternally grateful for the compassion of Barnabas Aid.”
Praise the Lord that the generous gifts of Barnabas supporters have allowed us to free another 113 families from bonded labour in brick kilns in Pakistan. Pray that these believers will be able to lead more fulfilling lives now that they have been freed. Ask God to watch over those still bonded in the kilns, giving them resilience and hope in their difficult situation.
