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About

About

OUR HISTORY

The history of Scripture Union in Pakistan can be traced back more than a hundred years when in 1901 an English missionary Mr. R.D. Archibald landed in the United India and laid the foundation of the Scripture Union, also known as CSSM (Children’s Special Service Mission). He served in the subcontinent for forty years.  Mr. Archibald trained a number of local workers who could work amongst children; one of them was Rev. Paul Das who was given charge of Northern India.  Rev. Paul Das introduced the concept of Scripture Union cards, and had them printed in Persian and in Roman Urdu (Urdu in Roman Script) for distribution.

After the emergence of Pakistan in 1947 the Scripture Union Pakistan was supervised (or led, or cared for) by another missionary, Mr. Cecil Johnston, who came to the subcontinent to look after the ministries of Scripture Union and the Children’s Special Service Mission.  He laid the foundation of SU ministry in Pakistan and trained the local staff to carry on the ministry. One name of worth mentioning is the Rev. Sadiq B. Mall, who came to be known throughout the length and breadth of Pakistan as the “Bacha Padree”, بچہ پادری (Children’s Pastor).  He was the first Pakistani staff who joined SU Pakistan in 1953. He worked so faithfully, so that the Lord blessed our ministry. Now we have our own building in Lahore, being used as Head Office and also have sub-offices in three other big cities of Pakistan, namely Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Karachi. Through our staff and hundreds of volunteers we are reaching children and young people throughout Pakistan.

Urdu notes, Roz ki Roti (روز کی روٹی )  were first published in 1958. Now these notes are being circulated among the Urdu readers in and outside Pakistan. Besides this we also print notes in English.

1957

Formation of First National Committee

In 1957 the first National Committee (now known as National Council) was formed to oversee the SU work in Pakistan.  The committee consisted of the following members: Rev R. F. Wooden (Convener); Rev. E. Tak (Treasurer); Miss M. Cooper (Secretary); Mr. C. Paris (Member); Miss E. Derk (Member)

1977

Appointment of First General Secretary

 In 1977 a CMS missionary, Rev. David Bainbridge, who was teaching in Cathedral School, Lahore, was challenged to take a role as the first General Secretary of SU Pakistan.  The name ‘Children’s Special Service Mission’ which was known for the children’s work so far was changed to ‘Scripture Union Pakistan’.

1984

Appointment of First Pakistani General Secretary

In 1984 Rev. David Bainbridge went back to England and handed over the baton to local missionary Mr. Johnson Charles (now Rev. Dr. Johnson Charles, in Canada) to carry on the work as the General Secretary. Mr. Johnson Charles worked hard and the Scripture Union Pakistan expanded its work all over Pakistan. Many joined SU Pakistan as volunteers.  Mr. Johnson also used his singing and music talent to attract many children and young people. The Vacation Bible Schools were started in the summer vacations and now every year thousands of children are being blessed with the Word of God.

1984

Scripture Union’s Registration under Societies Act, 1860

In 1984, the Scripture Union Pakistan was registered under societies Act, 1860. Its registration No. is RP/818 –L/S/84.

1997

Change of Leadership

In May 1997 Mr. Johnson Charles, who had served with SU Pakistan for 21 long years, handed the baton to Mr. Danishmand Wasti, to take the  leadership as the General Secretary of the Scripture Union Pakistan. Mr. Wasti had served with Pakistan Campus Crusade for Christ as the Training Director for 14 years before joining Scripture Union Pakistan. Now Mr. Wasti is serving as the National Director of Scripture Union Pakistan. Under his leadership the SU work has been expanded to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan. The staff has been equipped with modern technology to share the gospel with children, young people and families. Every year thousands of children are being connected with Jesus.

Presently the Scripture Union Pakistan functions as an autonomous body, managed by the duly constituted National Council.  The Council comprises of nine members of which the four office bearers i.e. Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer and the General Secretary comprise the Executive Committee.  The National Office team comprises of Mr. Danishmand Wasti, the National Director, supported by five staff members who co-ordinate the activities of the various ministries.