UPCOMING FORUM 2025
Forum - MAY 10, 2025
Forum - May 10, 2025 - PRAYER FOR PAKISTAN
1:00 pm (Eastern Time) and 10:00 am (Pacific Time) (Canada/USA)
5:00 pm (UTC), 6:00 pm (UK), 10:00 pm (Pakistan Time)
[Check your Time Zone: www.timeanddate.com]
A time to pray for Pakistan - hosted by Karen Hicks.
Join Zoom Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88930784335?pwd=HFb1o1wR45mf0ktavgkUA1OmlqFnsb.1
Meeting ID: 889 3078 4335; Passcode: 588152
Photo Illustration: The outdoor wall of ZBS - Rawalpindi, a reminder to pray for this Bible School.
RECENT FORUMS 2025
Forum - APRIL 12, 2025
Forum - April 12, 2025
1:00 pm (Eastern Time) and 10:00 am (Pacific Time) (Canada/USA)
6:00 pm (UK); 11:00 pm (Pakistan Time)
[Check your Time Zone: www.timeanddate.com]
This month's Forum is on "Media Ministries -- An update from LifeTV" will be led by Dennis and Diane Sherbeck. The 60-minute Forum will feature behind the scenes and current updates on this exciting outreach to connect and engage with people where they live. There will be time for Q&A and discussion.
FORUM ON ZOOM:
Date: April 12, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM Eastern Time (Canada/US) [check your Time Zone: www.timeanddate.com]
Photo Illustration: A scene most of us have seen a thousand times and illustrates who can be reached -- everyday people living their everyday busy lives.
Forum - MARCH 8, 2025
Forum - March 8, 2025
1:00 pm (Eastern Time) and 10:00 am (Pacific Time) (Canada/USA)
6:00 pm (UK); 11:00 pm (Pakistan Time)
[Check your Time Zone: www.timeanddate.com]
This Forum: "Pakistan Today - Economy, politics & relations with USA, and Afghanistan big-picture" led by Stephen Rasmussen, an economist who has worked for many years in Pakistan and currently lives in Islamabad. The Forum will be hosted by Dr, Kem Philbrick. The 60-minute Forum will include a big picture summary comments by Steve with time for Q&A and discussion, so come with questions.
ZOOM MEETING:
Date: March 8, 2025
Recording available.
Photo Illustration: The caption says it is Headmarala, Sialkot, with the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir in the background. The photo calls to mind the beautiful mountains and plains (and desert) of Pakistan.
Forum - FEBRUARY 8, 2025
Forum - Feb 8, 2025
1:00 pm Eastern Time (US/Canada)
[Check your Time Zone: www.timeanddate.com]
Hosted by Susan Pietsch, this will be an informal gathering to talk about the Pakistan Fellowship, plans for 2025 and 2026, Forum topics and speakers for 2025, and other updates.
ZOOM MEETING:
Susie Pietsch-Escueta is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Forum - PK Fellowship Int'l
Time: Feb 8, 2025 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81608971819?pwd=e5qPphsoC3F4PJ6uuAJwn7GXoMJyj0.1
Meeting ID: 816 0897 1819
Passcode: 044691
Forum - JANUARY 11, 2025
FORUM - January 11, 2025
[Check your Time Zone: www.timeanddate.com]
Our first monthly Forum in 2025 was led by Eunice Jones with presentations by her, Neil Carleton and Amy Suneel, and was hosted by Jason. The topic was "Bible translation in Pakistan -- past, present and future: A call to celebration and intercession." , this Forum provided updates on Bible translation work. We learned a lot about their purpose-full translation.
The image illustrates words that come to my mind when an ignorant person like me thinks about "translating languages" -- literature, art, communication, connection, creativity, details, dedication, planting, old and new ... and light ..."]
To request more information, contact Susan Pietsch.
PAST FORUMS IN 2024
FORUM - NOVEMBER 9, 2024
FORUM - NOVEMBER 9, 2024
1:00 pm Eastern Time (US/Canada)
[Check in your Time Zone: www.timeanddate.com]
Lausanne IV: Pakistan's debut on the global stage: A record number of young Pakistanis attended this gathering of the global Church to consider the future of the Great Commission. After feeling abandoned by the global Church for the past two decades, the participants left Seoul and returned to Pakistan recognizing that they are a central part of a global effort. Jonathan Mitchell and another guest speaker will report on the gathering in Seoul, the role of Pakistanis, and what they believe the impact will be on the Pakistan Church.
Dropbox Link to Forum Recording:
FORUM - OCTOBER 12, 2024
FORUM - OCTOBER 12, 2024
1:00 pm ET (US/Canada)
Education - Guest speakers James Tebbe, Cheryl Burke, and Jonathan Addleton will present the fruit of missionary work in the Punjab from the founding of Pakistan through nationalization and the 25 years since denationalization of these schools (primary schools, and Forman and Gordon colleges). They will highlight the role nonprofit schools play in the education of Pakistanis and why it is so important for the future of the nation.
Link to Dropbox folder with Video and Audio recordings:
Contact: PietschSusie@gmail.com to introduce yourself and to request more or to contact speaker.
REUNION SEPT 5-9, 2024
Forums and Services during the in-person PK Reunion
September 5-9, 2024
Available video recordings and handouts can be found here
and more will be added as available.
https://pakistanfellowship.org/reunion-2024
Contact Susie for more information:
Forum - AUGUST 10, 2024
FORUM - VIRTUAL AND MONTHLY - AUGUST 10, 2024
Time: 1:00 pm ET; 10:00 am PT (US/Canada); 6:00 pm (UK)
Check your Time Zone: www.timeanddate.com
Education - Part 2 - Education related projects underway
Date: August 10, 2024A variety of schools and education projects in various parts of Pakistan will be shared by two speakers: Dr. Angela Condie will share about the education ministries of TEAM and Robert Bavington will share about Starfish Asia.
Link to Dropbox folder with Video and Audio recordings:
Contact: PietschSusie@gmail.com to introduce yourself and to request more or to contact speaker.
Forum - JULY 13, 2024
Boys' Hostel/Orphanage near Sialkot
Forum - July 13, 2024,
1:00 pm ET; 10:00 am PT (US/Canada)
Speaker Eleazar Muller shared about this German Brethren ministry -
a Boys' hostel and orphanage in Martinpur near Sialkot
Contact: PietschSusie@gmail.com
to introduce yourself and to request links to audio and video recordings and program video and/or to contact speaker.
Forum - JUNE 8, 2024
"Open Theological Seminary and Zarephath Bible School"
June 8, 2024, 1:00 pm ET (US/Canada)
Speakers Freda Carey and Nathan Irwin will present on these Bible theological training programs centered in Lahore and Rawalpindi, respectively, but reaching throughout Pakistan.
Host: Tim Meadowcroft
[Illustration: I chose this painting by Josh Wiley. (Thanks, Josh!) It looks like the road from Jhika to MCS. I chose it because it shows a traveler, a seeker, boldly making his or her way -- the road is partly cleared and surrounded by great beauty -- seen and unseen -- but there is also the unknown and potential challenges ahead.]
Contact Susie at PietschSusie@gmail.com
to introduce yourself and request the recording or to contact speakers.
Forum - MAY 11, 2024
"History of outreach to tribes in northern PK"
May 11, 2024, 1:00 pm ET (US/Canada)
Speaker Dr. Len Bartlotti will present an overview of the little known history of outreach to a people group and tribe in northern Pakistan.
Host: Ken Lotze
Video and Audio Recordings:
Contact: PietschSusie@gmail.com to introduce yourself and to request more or to contact speaker.
Forum - APRIL 13, 2024
"Third Culture Kids and Second and Third Generation Expats to call Pakistan 'Home': Life, Work, and Art" was the theme of our Forum in April. It was led by Josh & Michelle Wiley. Josh is the third generation of the Steeves/Wiley branch of his tribe to call Pakistan home. Josh and Michelle both attended MCS. Now, Josh teaches at Lahore American School (LAS), and they are raising their sons - Khyber and Jhelum - in Lahore. During Forum, we also heard from other second and third generation workers - Luke Cutherell, Paul Stock, Ken Lotze - who lived in Pakistan as children and as adults.
Link to Forum video:
Forum - MARCH 9, 2024
"More about the Sindh than we know now!
Behold, the Sindhi Bible Translation, Publication and Distribution Struggles"
March 9, 2024, 1:00 pm ET (US/Canada)
Mark Naylor will tell us more about the Sindh -- more than we know now. Then he will provide an overview of the development of Sindhi Bible translation, including translation struggles and dilemmas, publication developments and concerns, and paths and plans for distribution. This includes a description of the translation process as it was worked out in the Sindhi setting, unexpected developments and blessings, examples of translation dilemmas relevant to the Sindhi language, and the way the Scripture is being used and distributed in the Sindh and beyond.
Jonathan Addleton hosted and facilitated the Q&A Discussion. Jonathan is an MK/TCK who grew up in the Sindh and is father was involved in Sindhi Bible translation. Paul Stock also joined in the discussion.
Video and Audio Recordings available:
Please email to introduce yourself and to request:
FORUM - FEB 10, 2024
"Pakistan: Economy, Elections, Etc"
Feb 10, 2024, 1:00 pm ET (US/Canada)
Stephen Rasmussen (PK) and Andrew Wilder (US) led Forum on topic of economy and elections with time for discussion facilitated by Graham Duncan.
Forum Video:
Forum Audio:
Steve shared this video of Haroon Sharif,
on DAWN TV, 9Feb2024, speaking on economy and elections.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JehCiWSjW0k
TOPIC IDEAS 2025
HISTORY
The Pakistan we never knew and didn't know ENOUGH to ask
The Pakistan we never knew and didn't know ENOUGH to ask
Different Regions and Story of Missions: What can we learn?
The Pakistan we never knew and didn't know ENOUGH to ask
The Pakistan we never knew and didn't know ENOUGH to ask
The Pakistan we never knew and didn't know ENOUGH to ask
Cultural and folk practices that even those of us who (once) called Pakistan "home" aren't aware of.
REFLECTIONS
The Pakistan we never knew and didn't know ENOUGH to ask
EDUCATION PROJECTS
Previous second and third generation expat workers and MKs share reflect on what they wish they had known.
EDUCATION PROJECTS
EDUCATION PROJECTS
Education projects -- from primary school to hostels to colleges and technical training
MEDICAL MISSIONS
Medical Missions and Hospitals: History and Present
TRANSLATION WORK
Translations: What's been done and what's underway now.
PREVIOUS FORUMS IN 2023)
FORUM_DEC 9, 2023
HOLIDAY FORUM
This will be an informal time for sharing stories and tools for coping, and simply visiting as we all prepare for the Christmas Season and think of our friends in Pakistan. We also invite you to share feedback with the Pakistan Fellowship 2023 (looking back) and 2024 (looking forward).
[Thank you to Marie Dalton Lehman for the painting of a sunflower, my sister's favorite flower.]
GLOBAL VIRTUAL REUNION, Nov 11-12, 2023
GVR2023, November 11 - 12, 2023 UTC/GMT
This is our second global virtual Reunion of PFI. The first virtual Reunion was held early in the pandemic when MCS closed. The GVR2023 is a multifaceted, multi-topic program that encourages participation of our worldwide network.
FORUM_OCT 14, 2023
"Media Ministries" Forum_October 14, 2023
Forum featured speakers Andrew Hart (PAK7) and Denis & Diane Sherbeck (Life TV Pakistan) on media ministries in and to PK. The focus was on the creative outreach being done today, but they also shared their history, differences and similarities, how they complement each other, and how they cooperate and collaborate with others.
PAK7 Presentation:
Video, Audio, PPT presentation
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/jdrcohroxz9mfr82ipmvi/h?rlkey=0zeybbbeo3uh84ctyxrsycr2v&dl=0
Life TV Pakistan Presentation:
To request presentation, contact pietschsusie@gmail.com
FORUM_SEPT 9, 2023
"Gilgit-Baltistan: Where Pakistan meets Central Asia" Forum_Sept 9, 1:00 pm ET (US/Canada)
Fiona Riach Addleton, from Scotland, hosted the Forum, and another from the USA presented. Jason spent much of his childhood in Pakistan and, as an adult, has been involved in humanitarian aid and development projects in Afghanistan and Pakistan, including a short time in Gilgit. Gilgit lies amid snow-clad peaks and rivers fed by glacial meltwater. It is the capital city of Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan territory. The area’s natural beauty attracts many foreign and domestic tourists, but few stay long enough to learn about Gilgit’s inhabitants and their concerns. But, in the past 25 years, four significant projects were started to address some deep local needs. Jason will share about these four initiatives which have taken root and grown and bear fruit today. You will leave the Forum with something new and wanting to learn more! Future Forums will feature Gilgit.
Presentation Recording: Contact Susie Pietsch (pietschsusie@gmail.com) to request recording of presentation. It will be shared with those who commit not to forward share with others.
FORUM_AUGUST 12, 2023
"Grief (Part 2)"
Forum_Aug 12, 2023, 1:00 pm ET (US/Canada)
During the earlier "Grief (Part 1)" Forum in April, Tim Friesen helped open discussion on topic of Grief. Now, during "Grief (Part 2)," we will focus more specifically on the MK/MCS/Boarding/TCK childhood experience of cumulative grief and guilt and its lifelong impact. As the Forum leader and facilitator, Marty Christy Cosgrove will use her 20 years of experience teaching and facilitating story sharing groups dealing with early experiences of trauma and grief. There will be time for sharing stories. We welcome Pakistan MK/TCK/MCS Boarders and those who love them, and MCS faculty. In "Paper Airplanes in the Himalayas," Paul Seaman writes, "We all need to tell our stories, for we long to be assured that we are not alone."
Dropbox Link to Audio Recording:
(More Links on Homepage)
FORUM_JULY 8, 2023
"Afghanistan: Recent developments, policy challenges, humanitarian efforts -- and more"
Forum_July 8, 2023, 1:00 pm ET (US/Canada)
Forum Part 1 will be led by Andrew Wilder and Tim Wilder with Eric Pulliam. They will share from their extensive personal and professional experience in Afghanistan with the U.S. Institute of Peace (Andrew), State Department Afghanistan Desk (Tim), and U.S. AID (Eric). Forum Part 2 will be led by Eric Pulliam with speakers/discussants Joel & Margaret DeHart, Daniel & Aubrie Stent, and others sharing about humanitarian work in-country and to diaspora. Most speakers/discussants were Pakistan MKs, MCS students.
Post-Forum Handouts:
Afghan Diaspora Ministry Resources
Joel & Margaret DeHart's Presentation
Andrew Wilder's Presentation
FORUM_JUNE 10, 2023
"Critical Debates in Islamic Studies. Why should we care?" Forum_June 10, 1:00 pm ET (US/Canada)
Led by Dan Brown, PhD Islamic Studies. Dan was born in Sukkur, was a Pakistan MK and MCS alum (1981). Dan and his wife Carol live in Istanbul where he directs the Institute for the Study of Religion in the Middle East. Dan invited Charles Ramsey, also a scholar of Islam and Muslim-Christian Relations, to join as a discussant.
Link to Charles Ramsey: https://history.artsandsciences.baylor.edu/person/charles-m-ramsey
Audio Recording for PFI members: https://rochester.box.com/s/rvcwhy3l9a41oil583xskb75ke66zedo
FORUM_MAY 13, 2023
"Pakistan Today: Macro Dysfunction and People's Resilience"
Forum_May 13, 1:00 pm ET
Stephen Rasmussen presented an update on Pakistan -- the economy and broadly. Stephen has a lifetime of professional and personal experience as an economist, a Pakistan MK and MCS alum (1974). He invited Jonathan Addleton, Rector of Forman College and MCS alum, to join as a discussant.
Audio Recording:
https://rochester.box.com/s/5pm4zoxlueph4gw0qsnhhehhdpzfry85
Video Recording:
https://rochester.box.com/s/vulb0fmdmqlyyoxeh0vivk0vce6u3urx
Short video shared by S. Rasmussen that "reflects a fairly commonly held view about the military. This is from an ex bureaucrat. ... It is perhaps more relevant now than when it was made since it is clear the military has more control now than before."
"Prayers" painting of Badshahi Mosque
by Maylene Rasmussen
FORUM_APR 8, 2023
"Grief,"
Forum_April 8, 1:00 pm ET
Tim Friesen (Twelve12:Hope) spoke on all types of grief from his experience with MKs/TCKs. Forum for past MCS boarding/students, Pakistan MKs/TCKs, and their parents, MCS staff, all PFI members.
Audio Recording:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/sai6007i8wpmhdk/audio1945331757.m4a?dl=0
Survey re Grief Forums:
FORUM_MAR 11, 2023
"After MCS - What Happened?
Forum_March 11, 1:00 pm ET
Paul Stock interviewed Simon Malik about Boarding, School, Sandes Home, Pakistani staff.
PDF General Summary of Interview:
What is happening for MK education now?
Karen Hicks interviewed Tom Miller about Gateway Academy
PDF Message from Tom Miller
PREVIOUS FORUMS
FORUM_FEB 11, 2023
"Flood Relief Updates"
Mark Naylor, Paul Stock, Adeel Rehmat, Roger Pomeroy, Tomoe Ota
(Dave Mackie's Rapid Report)
1:00 pm EST (USA, Canada)
Report from Sindh, Feb 2023
FORUM_JAN 14, 2023
"Virtual Open House - Pakistan Fellowship International"
Susie Pietsch, Tom Brown, Jonathan Addleton
Rapid-fire Reports:
Rod Black, Paul Stock, Andrew Hart, John Condie, Luke Cutherell, Richard Hoyle
Members can request presentations
FORUM_NOV 19, 2022
FORUM_NOV 19, 2022
A Pakistan Pilgrimage and the Changing Face of Missions in Pakistan
All speakers were Pakistan MKs and MCS students. Ian Anderson, David Chirnside, Graham and Alan Duncan (UK) shared from their trip to Pakistan. Jonathan Mitchell (USA) spoke as Director of Concentric Development.
Video "Pakistan Pilgrimage"
A Pakistan Pilgrimage and the Changing Face of Missions in Pakistan
All speakers were Pakistan MKs and MCS students. Ian Anderson, David Chirnside, Graham and Alan Duncan (UK) shared from their trip to Pakistan. Jonathan Mitchell (USA) spoke as Director of Concentric Development.
Video "Pakistan Pilgrimage"
https://rochester.app.box.com/s/he77l7mcf0z8mlxvql47h0q4hc7m9vit
Pakistan Church (2017)