Some of you know the relationship I've had with Emmanuel Sadiq, a follower of Christ in Pakistan. Recently Emmanuel wrote me to tell me the sad news that his father, Sadiq Sarfraz, had died.

You have probably never heard of Sadiq or visited the schools he built in Pakistan, a country where a profession of Christian faith often invites persecution, violence, and state-sanctioned discrimination.

As a younger man, Sadiq worked as a manual laborer for seven years to support his bride before completing his secondary education.  Later he found work in a school.

Sadiq met failure and disappointment.  Soon, he was offered a foreman position in Iraq and moved.  A few months later, war began between Iraq & Iran.  Sadiq returned to the relative safety of Pakistan with his family and without a job.

He continued his studies and Christian education, and before graduating, launched the first of two schools.

With a vision to establish a church and a God who loves dreamers, Pastor Sadiq and his son built a church for his Pakistani Christian community of 500. He preached and shared his hope with scores of his countrymen.

He conducted outreaches, trained pastors, and planted churches around Pakistan. His life boldly reflected light in a country dark with violence towards Christians.

Pastor Sadiq Sarfraz leaves behind the wife and son who loved him.  He also leaves an ever-expanding family of faith that continues to demonstrate that God's love pierces darkness.

We salute this hero of the faith who did not allow the darkness to overcome him.  We thank God for his faithfulness.