Hope After the Floods: How Church-Funded Assistance Reached the Most Vulnerable (اردو)

یہ مَواد صرف ایسے افراد اور اداروں کے لیے ہے جو مسِیحی عقیدے اور اِس کے فرقوں سے تعلق رکھتے ہیں۔ اِس کا مقصد اسلامی عقیدے یا کسی دُوسری مذہبی روایات پر عمل کرنے والے افراد سے تبدیلی کی درخواست کرنا یا ایسا کرنے کی حوصلہ افزائی کرنا نہیں ہے، اور نہ ہی کسی کمیونٹی کے مذہبی جذبات کو مجروح کرنا یا ٹھیس پہنچانا ہے۔

اُردُو میں پڑھنے کے لیے یہاں کلک کریں۔

This material is intended solely for individuals and entities that identify with the Christian faith and its denominations. It is not intended to solicit or induce conversion from individuals practicing the Islamic faith or any other religious traditions, nor to offend or undermine the religious sentiments of any community.

“It felt like someone finally saw our struggle and gave us hope to stand again,” said Baba Sardar, 67, from one of over 600 minority households who received flood relief assistance funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In 2025, Pakistan experienced exceptional rainfall, which caused some of the worst monsoon floods in its recent history. Over 4 million people were affected in Punjab province, especially low-lying riverine districts in the south. The Church provided funds to the local nongovernmental organization (NGO), Youth Development Foundation (YDF), to carry out its stabilization and early recovery efforts in Alipur, Jalalpur Pirwala, and Khanewal districts, where Baba Sardar resides.

In their project report, YDF stated its “profound appreciation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their generous and timely support, which made this humanitarian intervention possible. Their commitment to vulnerable communities enabled an effective and dignified response in regions where flood impacts threatened both lives and livelihoods.”

From November 2025 to January 2026, Church funds enabled YDF to conduct rapid needs assessments in consultation with local leadership, community elders and humanitarian stakeholders to determine priority areas in the three districts and vulnerable populations. From there, they targeted beneficiaries based on vulnerability indicators such as households led by widows or divorced women, presence of young children or elderly members, persons with disabilities and so on.

Community verification sessions were held to cross-check proposed beneficiary lists and resolve disputes. With the community validating the aid recipients, local participation and ownership of the process were reinforced. A token-based system was used to allocate resources, and regular coordination with authorities ensured alignment with broader relief efforts, smooth logistics and the avoidance of duplication with other humanitarian actors.

The comprehensive assistance was provided to 200 flood-affected families in each district, 75% of whom were women-led households. Integrated relief packages were distributed, comprising food and dry rations, winterized household items, hygiene kits, and mosquito nets.

“My mud hut was the only shelter I had for myself and my toddlers,” says 37-year-old Khurrsam Hussain from Alipur, where 90% of the district was submerged. “When the devastating floods destroyed it, we were left with nothing but the open sky above us, and watching my children sleep without protection was the most painful moment of my life.

“This support means a lot to me and my family. Thanks to YDF and the generous support of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we now feel safer and more hopeful during these difficult days.”

When the floods hit Jalalpur Pirwala, 64-year-old M. Anwar joined 25,000 residents in evacuating the district. But he lost everything, including his only source of income. In a single night, the livelihood he had built over many years was washed away. He felt completely helpless, not knowing how he would provide food for his children or rebuild their future.

The relief support helped M. Anwar and his family survive during one of the most difficult times of their lives. The groceries meant his children would not go to bed hungry, and the assistance restored not only their immediate stability but also his hope, giving him the strength and courage to begin rebuilding his life.

Two medical camps were also set up in each district to provide medical outreach services by male and female doctors, pediatricians and paramedics. Through these, free consultations and essential medicines were provided to 1,305 individuals to address waterborne, respiratory, and vector-borne diseases common in post-flood environments. 57% of patients were female and 21% were children.

Flood-affected families also felt stabilized with their urgent survival needs addressed, indirectly reducing symptoms of anxiety and distress common with disaster survivors. Post-activity feedback showed high satisfaction with relief distributions and medical camps. 91% of beneficiaries were satisfied with the quality and timeliness of assistance. Organized, respectful delivery and medical support were widely appreciated. Improved food access and hygiene reduced stress and restored dignity.

Mariam Shaheen, 47, from Khanewal, shared her experience as a widow with three children. “I had no one to rely on,” she said. “Each day was a struggle, and I constantly feared for our health and safety. Thanks to the relief provided by YDF and the Church, I now have the basic necessities to care for my family. For the first time in weeks, I feel relief and renewed hope as I begin rebuilding our daily life.”

“I lost everything when the floods hit Alipur,” said 51-year-old Barkat Bibi. “I was deeply worried about how I would manage my daughters’ hygiene with nothing left. Thanks to the sanitary kits and warm quilts provided by YDF with the generous support of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we now have relief and comfort. My daughters can take care of their needs with dignity, and I feel reassured during these challenging times.”

The flood relief distributions were attended by senators, parliamentarians, members of provincial and national assemblies, representatives of district administrations, community leaders, and a delegation from the Church, reflecting strong public–private collaboration and institutional support for the intervention. Their presence reinforced transparency, strengthened community trust, and promoted coordinated humanitarian response at the district level.

“It is deeply touching to see that even in the worst of times, the human spirit and its capacity for good can shine through,” said Zumran James, the Church’s Pakistan Country Manager who oversees such humanitarian efforts in the country. “Many helping hands came together to restore a light of hope amidst the devastation of the floods. While much has been lost, we also hope something precious has been gained. It is humbling to be able to witness and be a part of the joint effort to help alleviate the suffering and elevate the difficult circumstances of God’s children here.”