Brick Factory Ministry
Lahore Pakistan
Several years ago, it came to light that numerous brick factories in Pakistan are effectively detaining their employees under a system akin to modern-day slavery. These employees are burdened with debt to the factory owner, and their work primarily serves to pay off this debt. However, the factory owners compensate them only enough to cover the interest, resulting in a perpetual state of indentured servitude. The workers, along with their families, reside within the factory premises, leading to a generational cycle of bonded labor, with some families having never left the factory grounds for three generations.
BEFORE
AFTER
We have engaged a ministry team that is dedicated to assisting several families entangled in this oppressive system, primarily operating outside Lahore, Pakistan. This team is actively involved in seven different brick factories, delivering spiritual support through sharing the Gospel of Jesus, prayer, and organizing church services, while also providing essential aid like additional food and clothing. Our initiative aims to enhance their ongoing efforts by offering financial support. This aid will enable the team to settle the debts of these families, which typically range between $500-$1500 USD, thereby liberating them from bondage – and setting the captives free! Upon liberation, the team extends further assistance by facilitating alternative housing solutions and aiding in the establishment of micro-businesses, empowering these families towards self-sufficiency and maintaining their freedom.
Stories of Freedom
The goal for the first year is to get four families set free and setup with a micro-business. We have a matching grant that will cover 50% of the costs for the first year, total budget is $20,000. That covers the cost to run the orphanage (kids that have lost their parents in the factories), provides extra support for the factory workers, pays off the loans for four families and sets them up with a micro-business.
Provide Monthly Support
Our Plan
$650/mo
$250/month
Rent and utilities for the orphanage
$200/month
Food, clothing, and school supplies for the orphans
$200/month
Travel to factory, food, and clothing for the workers
$500 - $1500
Average loan pay off for the factory worker families
FREE
Counseling of families in transition to a new life
Counseling and mentoring is provided to the families at no cost. These services are provided by the Pastor and ministry team members, all of which operate on a volunteer basis and have jobs and businesses to support their personal needs.
$1500
Micro-business: Tuktuk taxi/delivery service
Once the Tuktuk is purchased, the family will have the opportunity to earn a living, buy food, rent a small home, provide school clothes and supplies for their children, and begin to pay off the cost of the Tuktuk. Once the Tuktuk is paid off, those funds will be used to purchase another Tuktuk for the second family coming out of the factory. They will do the same by making payments to pay off the cost of their Tuktuk, so the third family can have a Tuktuk and business. Many families can become self-sufficient with this pay-it-forward model.