FREEDOM!

During the trip in August 2023, we visited one of the brick factories that Nadeem and Labin had been visiting regularly. The first week, I was in southern Pakistan attending a fair. The second week, I was in Lahore, and my friend Frank joined me. He also has the idea of doing business in Pakistan to make a meaningful impact. I offered him that if he booked a ticket, I would introduce him to life in Pakistan.

This brought us to the brick factory where the Gul family lived. Nadeem and Labin already knew them and wanted to introduce them to us. It’s a remarkable story of a young couple who fell in love but didn’t have the money to marry. “Thanks to” a loan (a conscious choice), the marriage could happen, but it landed them in a place where they would live for 25 years. Their five children were born there, but fortunately, they do go to school.

When I spoke with them, the question naturally came up: “How much is your debt?” “400,000 PKR,” they said. I typed it into my currency converter: $1,355.93. I showed it to my friend Frank, looked at him, and said: “50/50?” Without hesitation, he said “Yes!” Confused looks… “REALLY??” “Yes, man! Come on. A new chapter in your love story!”

Yes… that’s sometimes how it goes. It’s hard not to help people and just walk away… you simply can’t. After that, we started looking for a house in the city. They wanted to live nearby, or in the same neighborhood as Nadeem, and that house was found. We also arranged driving lessons for Mr. Gul so he can work as a driver again. A suitable school was found for the children, and school clothes and supplies were purchased.

When we officially free a family, we make agreements with them—such as forbidding a return to the brick factory. These agreements are signed with witnesses. This makes the moment truly official, and the new beginning is celebrated!

For as long as necessary, this family will receive financial support. Would you like to contribute? Your investment is greatly appreciated!