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Pakistan Christian Domestic Workers
Background: Eric Schmidt (co-founder) visited Pakistan in March of this year (2025) to meet our partners at Messiah Ministries and see the progress of our programs. During his visit, our partners took him to a Christian Church in the inner city of Lahore, where many Christian domestic workers worship. Eric spoke to a group of about 30 domestic workers and encouraged them with the passage in Matthew 5:13-16 about them being a light in the darkness. He encouraged them to see that God has placed them where they are as an opportunity. One of the women asked in response, “How can we do anything? We can’t read or write and are discriminated against.” Eric was very touched by their plight and suggested that maybe God had placed him there that day to hear about their needs, because E4 does training for women, and we have been doing it in Pakistan already.
Christian women in Pakistan, particularly those engaged in domestic labor, face multiple layers of discrimination because of class, religion, and gender. They often endure poor working conditions, lack legal protections, and are vulnerable to harassment, abuse, and exploitation. In partnership with Messiah Ministries, our program seeks to uplift their status by improving their socio-economic rights, enhancing skills, and building collective strength.
According to a 2024 report by Open Doors Ministry, Pakistan is the 7th most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. Pakistan is right in the middle of the 10/40 window, the least evangelized countries.
Current: The team held preliminary meetings with the women and listened to their input on what they need the most. Many women just want the chance to learn to read so that they can read the Bible. They expressed a desire to also learn and develop skills in sewing and making products that could provide income. A few women are strong seamstresses already, and while other women receive training, they will have access to sewing machines to make school uniforms and other items. The local community, women leaders, and pastoral team have good connections with different schools and churches, and they are confident enough that stitching school uniforms and later other garments will help them raise additional income.
The following activities are included in this program that will last for one year, starting May 15, 2025, and running through the end of April 2026.
The following activities are planned and being implemented under this project:
By compassionately and proactively serving the needs of Christian women, we offer a powerful witness of Christ’s love in action. This practical outreach enhances Messiah Ministries' credibility and visibility as a source of hope and justice in Pakistani society.
Cost: $8,210
The funds will cover the full-year plan for the Christian Women Domestic Workers Project and include:
Laying the Groundwork
Below is a gallery of images highlighting an important first step in our program: preliminary meetings with the domestic workers from Pakistan. These women, all of whom are engaged in informal labor, have come together to participate in early planning discussions and to help identify potential beneficiaries. Their input is vital in shaping a program that responds to their realities, and these moments reflect the beginning of a process grounded in inclusion, trust, and collaboration.
