UNDERSTANDING the system
Sometimes a family becomes so desperate to provide for their family, they turn to brick kiln sites for temporary financial relief. A family who is expecting a child may not have the funds for the medicine or the delivery. The owners would offer them money for their need, but then enslave them with debt they cannot repay. Interest is applied to the debt, and the family is unable to be freed. The owners can be ruthless and kill runaways to put fear into the other slaves. This is a wicked practice and the Pakistani government does little to quell the injustice. Each family makes about 500 rupees ($5) per day. If it rains, they are unable to feed their family for the day and must borrow money from the owners to purchase food. The cycle of debt continues.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Solution
The good thing is that the owners keep record of the peoples debts. Sponsors could buy a family out of slavery. The average debt we saw for one family was around $1,200. Once the family is free, they need to begin working in a factory and apply for a rented house. It is a challenging endeavor, but it can be done.
brick kiln church planting
In these brick kiln sites, you will also find Christians. These believers need spiritual as well as physical care. We want to encourage them on a regular basis by planting a church in their home. We would provide for them rice bags, other staple food, and medicine when we visit them to demonstrate the love of Christ.