Nasir* is well acquainted with Pakistan’s burning hot sun. For years, he and his family have toiled in the field of his domineering landlord in exchange for a place to live. “We are working under him from many generations,” recounts Nasir. While his labor is strenuous, Nasir doesn’t worry much about his personal well-being.

But he fears for the future of his children. “The landlord doesn’t give permission to send my children to school,” he says. Although Pakistan’s laws require children to attend government schools, Nasir’s landlord has other ideas for their future. “He knows that if the children are able to read and write they will not work for him,” explains Nasir.

Without the necessary funds to escape this cycle of extorted labor, Nasir’s family felt trapped. Until one day, a group of Christian neighbors—including the local pastor—wandered onto the farm where Nasir’s family lived. “[They] asked us if our children would join in the VBS Vacation Bible School” he recalls.

“At first I was hesitant,” admits Nasir. “We as parents are illiterate and two of our children dropped out of school in their third year.” His fear was only natural; would sending his children off to a Christian school threaten his family’s already fragile living situation? “But then my wife encouraged me to let the children attend Vacation Bible School so they can learn the Bible.”

At the Vacation Bible School—supported by Pakistan Bible Society with help from American Bible Society—Nasir’s children spent a week at a local church learning all about heroes from the Bible, like Abraham and Esther. For nine hours a day they fellowshipped with other children through Bible lessons, games and prizes. They also received easy-to-read Scripture Portions designed specifically for teachers and parents in Pakistan. In a country where only 2 percent of children are Christians, these Bibles meet a vital need.

And while attending Bible School certainly won’t fix every problem for Nasir’s children, it does ensure that their first dose of formal education will teach them the most important lesson of all—the steadfast promises of God’s love for them.

*Names have been changed to protect the identity of our partners in Pakistan.