Younger versions of Joel and I, outside Holy Trinity cathedral, back in 1994
In my day ‘Ibtida’ was an open, community-based programme. We chased all around the city, visiting addicts where they were using (known in the trade as ‘Outreach work’). They usually came off heroin in their own homes with lots of support from recovering addicts (both prayer and practical) and a family support programme And then entered a ‘90 day Recovery Group’ of regular self-help meetings. It was a ‘Fellowship of recovering addicts’ (similar to NA)
Now it is residential programme of some 30 beds, crammed full of recovering addicts, desperate for a new beginning. They still work with drug users at all stages of the Rehabilitative Process, establishing contact though the field work and generating interest (motivational counselling) and a follow up programme. Only the rehab phase is residential.
As a pastoral work of the Church of Pakistan, it operates under the authority of the Bishop of Karachi. But is now run by Monica, the first woman co-ordinator. She too will be going on the Isaacs’ course in Egypt in 2005. She is already making her mark, established new systems to strengthen the work. There was recently a Mela (fair) which raised over 1 lakh rupees (c £1000). All local support.
The project is full with 32 addicts going through residential treatment. And an ‘Alumni’ has been set up of older recovering addicts (RAs) lead by Joel who is standing with me in the picture. They act as role models for newer RAs. It was pure delight to see some of the same old faces and many new ones . A healthy sign of growth. God’s work continues…
From your own correspondent
Karachi November 2004 (and 1986-1996)
I was given a gold ring when I left Karachi by my 'brothers' and colleagues. Inside it is simply engraved ‘1986-1996 IBTIDA’ It represented 10 years of ministry in drug rehabilitation. I wear it as a reminder of what was, as well as motivation to pray for what will be. This last visit was just a lightning visit, en route to Afghanistan, but still a journey to my Pakistan roots. Back to the beginning, where my own personal Pakistan journey started, as well as CMS’s journey in addiction ministry.
IBTIDA (Urdu for Beginning) is a church-based NGO, which had been operating since 1985, providing a community-based drug rehabilitation programme to Heroin addicts in Karachi.. Over the years, a lot of resources have been gathered and a resource centre is operating, producing a magazine, books and other drug related materials. Drug and AIDS prevention programmes and Seminars are also run in Bustees (slums) and Churches. Ibtida has been involved in Networking with other non-government organisations and has helped set up a network within Pakistan called DAWN (Drug and Aids Workers’ Network).
CMS has contributed a lot to IBTIDA over the years - 3 sets of mission partners: David and Alison , ourselves – (the Simpsons), Paul and Helen, who then handed over to Pakistani leadership in Valentine Philip (before his untimely and sudden death.) Joel and Jamil came to UK as Interchange visitors. Rev Julian and others have attended the ISAACS drug training in Egypt. And an exchange visit to India for fieldworkers is being organised.
IBTIDA (Urdu for Beginning) is a church-based NGO, which had been operating since 1985, providing a community-based drug rehabilitation programme to Heroin addicts in Karachi.. Over the years, a lot of resources have been gathered and a resource centre is operating, producing a magazine, books and other drug related materials. Drug and AIDS prevention programmes and Seminars are also run in Bustees (slums) and Churches. Ibtida has been involved in Networking with other non-government organisations and has helped set up a network within Pakistan called DAWN (Drug and Aids Workers’ Network).
CMS has contributed a lot to IBTIDA over the years - 3 sets of mission partners: David and Alison , ourselves – (the Simpsons), Paul and Helen, who then handed over to Pakistani leadership in Valentine Philip (before his untimely and sudden death.) Joel and Jamil came to UK as Interchange visitors. Rev Julian and others have attended the ISAACS drug training in Egypt. And an exchange visit to India for fieldworkers is being organised.
In my day ‘Ibtida’ was an open, community-based programme. We chased all around the city, visiting addicts where they were using (known in the trade as ‘Outreach work’). They usually came off heroin in their own homes with lots of support from recovering addicts (both prayer and practical) and a family support programme And then entered a ‘90 day Recovery Group’ of regular self-help meetings. It was a ‘Fellowship of recovering addicts’ (similar to NA)
Now it is residential programme of some 30 beds, crammed full of recovering addicts, desperate for a new beginning. They still work with drug users at all stages of the Rehabilitative Process, establishing contact though the field work and generating interest (motivational counselling) and a follow up programme. Only the rehab phase is residential.
As a pastoral work of the Church of Pakistan, it operates under the authority of the Bishop of Karachi. But is now run by Monica, the first woman co-ordinator. She too will be going on the Isaacs’ course in Egypt in 2005. She is already making her mark, established new systems to strengthen the work. There was recently a Mela (fair) which raised over 1 lakh rupees (c £1000). All local support.
The project is full with 32 addicts going through residential treatment. And an ‘Alumni’ has been set up of older recovering addicts (RAs) lead by Joel who is standing with me in the picture. They act as role models for newer RAs. It was pure delight to see some of the same old faces and many new ones . A healthy sign of growth. God’s work continues…
From your own correspondent
Karachi November 2004 (and 1986-1996)
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