Karachi, Pakistan Gospel Festival

Tens of thousands gathered in Karachi, Pakistan for the Friendship Festival hosted by World Impact Ministries, Peter Youngren and sponsored by New Life International.

This particular festival was postponed from April until October because the safety of the team could not be guarantied; even then it was uncertain whether the event would even be possible. Just 10 days before this festival was to begin, a major terrorist attack occurred in the capital city of Pakistan. A bomb was detonated at the Marriott hotel [video], formerly known as one of the safest locations in the country because of their high level of security. Government, Foreign and Business leaders regularly met and stayed at this hotel. The attack killed at least 53 people and wounded hundreds. This act of terrorism triggered a string of other smaller bombings, including one in Karachi. Terror warnings were at a high around the country. The Pakistani government and the United Nations security counsel told all foreigners to leave the country of Pakistan or avoid any public place due to these bomb blasts.

Despite this backdrop of terror, the Lord miraculously gave World Impact Ministries incredible favor and they were permitted to continue with their five day Gospel Festival. Mandatory security was imposed on Pastor Peter Youngren and the Festival. Every person entering the Festival grounds had to pass through a metal detector and was hand searched for weapons or bombs.

Each night thousands of Muslims and Christians alike filled the open field in the heart of the city. Massive lines formed for hundreds of meters outside the field as people waited to enter through the metal detectors. People from every background and religion passed peaceably through the gates, and there were no incidents the entire week of the Festival.

Over the 5 nights, it was estimated that 750,000 people attended. Incredible miracles were seen every single night of the Festival as the stage would fill with more testimonies than could possibly be reported. Thousands chose to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and many were healed in their bodies. The Muslim newspaper reported that over 200,000 attended the last night. Many pastors said they’d never seen any crowd like it.

Although traditionally it is very difficult to receive media exposure for a Gospel event in a predominantly Islamic country, the media coverage was astounding. A TV reporter from a national network in Pakistan said she had never seen such a large crowd, and the same TV station aired the final night of the Festival LIVE to the entire nation FREE of charge! This was a first in Pakistan. The two largest newspapers in the country carried the Festival advertisements on the front page and reporters interviewed Pastor Peter daily. A local Muslim talk show invited him to be on their program, where he was given opportunity to share about Jesus.

The entire festival was conducted in cooperation with the local churches in Karachi and follow up materials were distributed to over 50,000 people by local trained counselors. All new believers were encouraged to find a local church, and were also introduced to representatives from a cooperating church immediately at the festival.