An invitation to pastors and leaders of The Fellowship Community

Imagine a place in the very heart of the Muslim world where:

• Hundreds of young Christians are equipped and sent out to be a disciple and to make disciples
• Thousands of young women are empowered, given voice and heard
• Over ten thousand Christian and Muslim students live together in an environment of dialogue and
mutual respect

That seemingly unimaginable place is Forman Christian College.
For 160 years, this ministry—often called the crown jewel of Presbyterian mission—has helped make God’s love visible in the world’s fifth most populous and second largest Muslim nation: Pakistan.

A Strategic Gospel Presence
Pakistan is home to more than 255 million people. Only 3.5 million are Christians. Fewer than 2% of Pakistan’s Christians receive higher education.
Yet at Forman, more than 12% of the 10,000+ students are Christian. It is widely said there are more Christian students at Forman than at all other universities in Pakistan combined.

For a small and often marginalized minority, Forman is not simply a university. It is an oasis.
In February, I had the privilege of visiting campus with pastors Rich Kannwischer, Mike McClenahan, and Eric Hoey. Our purpose was to deepen collaboration between The Fellowship Community, The Outreach Foundation, and Friends of Forman Christian College—especially in light of recent shifts in denominational world mission strategy. We returned with renewed hope and concrete ideas for engaging our churches.

One Campus, Three Schools, One Mission
Forman’s 120-acre campus houses three distinct schools offering world-class liberal arts education from Pre-K through PhD.

1. Light of Hope School (Pre-K–10)
   The Light of Hope School serves more than 450 students, primarily children of Christian service workers—many from families where parents are illiterate. Today, their children are scoring in the top 5% nationally. During our visit, we honored several national award recipients.
   It is a generational transformation story.
   

2. Intermediate College (Grades 11–12)
Nearly 4,000 young men study in what feels like a residential preparatory academy. Alumni have
risen to senior leadership in politics (including Prime Ministers), law (including Chief Justices), the
military, and business. During our visit, a group of teenage boys blessed us by singing King of Kings.
In that moment, the joy of Christ in a Muslin-majority nation was unmistakable.

3. The University (Undergraduate through PhD)
The University offers 27 bachelor’s, 24 master’s, and 5 PhD programs to more than 6,000 students. It is
in the final stages of accreditation through the New England Commission on Higher Education, the
same body that accredits Harvard, Yale, and MIT.

Forman’s motto—“By love serve one another”—is not ornamental. It shapes campus life. Christian and Muslim students study, live, and lead together in an environment where difficult questions can be asked safely and respectfully.

Strengthening the Church in Pakistan
Friends of Forman recently helped launch the Center for Biblical Teaching and Research (CBTR), modeled in part after Tyndale House in Cambridge.
The CBTR offers:

• A Bachelor’s in Christian Studies
• Hebrew and Greek certificates
• An MPhil in Biblical Studies
• (Lord willing) a future PhD

Why does this matter?
An estimated 80–90% of pastors in Pakistan lack access to formal theological training. During our visit to Islamabad with partners from the Outreach Foundation, we met seven pastors from a Christian slum community. Each pleaded for theological education. In Islamabad alone, 22 Christian slums house over half a million believers.
The CBTR exists for leaders like these.

Stories That Stay With You
One afternoon we visited Samroon, a Computer Science student from a Christian village south of Lahore. His father died 12 years ago. His widowed mother—herself a schoolteacher—has sacrificed tirelessly to educate her children.
After welcoming us with extraordinary hospitality, the family sang a Psalm in Urdu.
Moments like that remind us: this is not abstract mission strategy. These are families, futures, and faithful witness.

Voices from the Trip
Eric Hoey reflected:
“Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Forman Christian College is changing the world one student at a time. From preschool to PhD, 10,000 people fill its bountiful 120 acre campus. The staff are passionate about their work, and lives are being transformed shaped the motto, “By love serve one another.” – Eric Hoey”

Rich Kannwischer shared:
“I gotta tell you it’s so amazing. I mean I’ve known about Forman for a long time. I knew Peachtree‘s long term commitment of 21 years – ever since this place was denationalized and to bring it back to it’s former glory. It’s amazing to just watch it flourish right now. I had no appreciation for how how much scope of the gospel is here. Whether it’s through the Light of Hope school or through the high school or the college or the university level – all the different levels of what God‘s doing in the Christian community here. When you’re dealing with a community that is such a small minority this is literally an Oasis. I mean the joy that is palpable here and the witness that it here and the difference that it’s making in this city is incredible.” – Rich Kannwischer”

And Mike McClenahan concluded:
“I think this is a time where we can engage the world. God is doing so much in all different places in the world and specifically in Pakistan. There are ministries happening all over the country, and Forman is a really integral part of that transformation. I encourage anybody to get on a trip and see for themselves what it looks like, and see how you and others are using your gifts to mobilize the church and helping people to generously give to something important. I mean it’s not just Forman – there are many other things Presbyterians have done in this country, and The Outreach Foundation is very active here, so yeah, it’s great to see all the results and know we have a great heritage, and it’s great to see where those seeds that have been planted and what fruit has grown out from those seeds.” – Mike McClenahan”

An Invitation to The Fellowship Community
Friends, this is a moment for engagement. Forman represents:
• Historic Presbyterian faithfulness
• Strategic gospel witness in a Muslim-majority nation
• Leadership development for the global Church
• A tangible partnership opportunity for Fellowship congregations

If you would like to explore how your church can pray, give, partner, or visit, I would welcome the conversation.

To learn more, please visit FriendsOfForman.org.

Better yet—join us on a future campus visit and see firsthand what God is doing in Pakistan.

As we step into 2026, we do so with deep gratitude—and with confidence in what God continues to do through Forman Christian College University and friends like you. Your generosity, especially through the Ripple of Impact year-end campaign, made a meaningful difference. Together, we not only reached our goal but exceeded it, raising $99,003.50 to strengthen scholarships and provide stability for students beginning this new year with renewed courage and hope.

By love, serve one another.
This past year reminded us of a simple but powerful truth: when education is rooted in faith, discipline, and love, lives are transformed. At FCCU in Lahore, Pakistan, young Christians are growing academically and spiritually, even in the midst of real challenges. They are discovering their voices, building confidence, and stepping into leadership roles that will carry light into some of the hardest places in the region. That spirit is grounded in FCCU’s enduring motto: “By love, serve one another.”  It’s lived out every day, in classrooms, chapels, and shared study spaces where students are formed not only for careers, but for lives of service to their neighbors and their nation. 

A story of hope from the border
One of those students comes from a small Christian village in northern Pakistan and is the first from that community ever to study at FCCU. Home lies near the Afghan border, where daily life is shaped by instability and limited access to food, healthcare, and education. The journey to campus can take nearly 20 hours. This student carries the weight of that reality deeply. Reflecting on the pain many Christians in the region experience, the student shared: “Every Christian is emotionally depressed, and that is why I want to become a psychologist. I need to do something good for my people because they are in pain.”  That longing to return home and serve others is exactly the kind of calling your generosity helps make possible. 

Faith in action on campus 
At Forman, this future psychologist has found more than an academic program. There is mentorship. There is guidance. And there is a Christ-centered community that believes in each student’s God-given potential. Through study and relationships on campus, this young leader is gaining both the professional preparation and spiritual resilience needed to walk alongside people carrying trauma, fear, and discouragement. Because you chose to invest in scholarships and student support, a path that once felt unreachable is now open. This story is just one small reflection of the many points of light that together form a community of hope and possibility at FCCU. 

Looking ahead 
Exceeding our $75,000 year-end goal means more students can remain in school, focus on their studies, and prepare to serve their families and communities with wisdom and grace. It also strengthens the foundation for our 2026 focus on Faith in Action,  as we continue to share stories where education and faith come together to change lives across Pakistan. The year ahead holds great promise. With your continued partnership, we will expand access to Christ-centered education, walk alongside students from vulnerable communities, and continue shining light where it is needed most.

 Give. Go. Pray.
If this story moved you, we invite you to keep the ripple going. Gifts made through the Friends of Forman donation page directly support scholarships and formative experiences for students whose callings are being shaped at FCCU right now. Thank you for being a steady light, helping make what once seemed impossible possible, one student and one story at a time.

Visiting a College Campus is a Life-Changing Experience

Rev. Dr. Graham Baird is the senior pastor of BurlPres, a large Presbyterian church located in Burlingame, California, just south of San Francisco on the bay.

Dr. Baird has twice visited the Forman Christian College campus in Lahore, Pakistan. His most recent visit was in December 2024 with a group of other church leaders and Friends of Forman staff.

“Visiting the FCCU campus has changed my life,” said Dr. Baird. “I’ve been many places in my life, but I’ve never been anywhere as magical as Lahore. Don’t believe the words you hear in America about how awful it is over here. This is a place of God.”

Churches Supporting Scholarships as Mission Work

Under Dr. Baird’s leadership, BurlPres has been a strong supporter of Friends of Forman. They’ve come to see the impact that a Christian education can have in a foreign nation like Pakistan. However, seeing this impact in person makes an even greater impact.

“We’ve experienced such generosity and openness. These are people of God. Jesus said the meek shall inherit the earth. These are the people He was talking about.”

Giving back to an organization like Friends of Forman is how many churches support Christian missions abroad. The scholarships you provide to deserving students have a far-reaching impact on their family and local communities.

Experiencing Equality and Tolerance on Campus

This equality and tolerance extends not only to female students, but also to those from different socioeconomic and religious backgrounds. These minority students likely wouldn’t otherwise have the same educational opportunities, because most Pakistani schools aren’t as open as FCCU.

“It’s so profound to see these women who come out of abject poverty. We see abject poverty in the United States. But to hear these stories of life transformation is so powerful.”

Even something as simple as opening and practicing a Christian faith is something the Western world can take for granted. However, Dr. Baird and the other visitors experienced firsthand how important this is for the Christian students at FCCU.

“Music has been a big part of our trip. Christians value music, and it’s something we take for granted when we openly sing our hymns on Sunday. When we were in the chapel, the kids were singing worship music with such fervor. We’ve seen so many examples of people sharing their faith through music. It may sound simple, but it’s truly amazing.”

If you’re interested in visiting the Forman Christian College campus in Lahore, please contact Friends of Forman to learn more.

Dr. Carlo Coppola, a widely published Urdu language scholar, recently wrote to request permission to reprint a story from Folio, a Forman magazine that is no longer published. As Dr. Coppola describes it, he is working on a new book tentatively titled Speaking Of/To/With & About South Asian Writers: Interviews, Essays and Reflections.

One of the authors featured in that forthcoming book is Krishan Chander, a prodigious writer in both Urdu and English who early in his literary career served as Assistant Editor for the Folio; in fact, his very first work in English was published in the Folio. It also seems that Krishan’s first published Urdu short story, entitled “Sadhu”, appeared in the Folio in 1932.

While the initial contact was made via English Department Chair Syeda Fatima, the e-mail conversation eventually also included Chief Librarian Farrukh Shahzad who was able to locate the Urdu sh short story in question, noting that it had also been republished in the Folio Centenary Edition covering the period 1864-1964 (November 1964). As Dr. Coppola describes it, this is indeed a “literary coup for the Folio and FC College”!

In fact, Dr. Coppola was even more effusive in his praise for the literary detective work undertaken by Forman, as the following extract from a more lengthy e-mail indicates:

What a discovery! My head is spinning all morning with this news. It is “A BIG DEAL”! And it should be shared widely . . .

First, of course, the story needs to be translated into English. This should be done under the auspices of both FCC’s Urdu and English departments.

I suggest that plans should be devised to arrange seminars, one in Urdu, one in English, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Krishan Chander’s passing in 2027, using the discovery of this story as a kind of “resurrection” of KC’s reputation as a writer in English, or simply the recognition of Krishan Chander’s reputation as world-class Urdu writer of fiction.

We all know that it is not too early to work on such seminars this far in advance. Both of these could be held on the campus of FCC, or the one in English could be held at the University of Wisconsin (https://southasiaconference.wisc.edu/) . . . or at the annual of the South Asian Literary Association (https://southasianliteraryassocation.org/) an affiliate of the Modern Language Association, the world’s largest literary association.

Additionally, I suggest that FCC undertake the publication of Krishan Chander’s essays and stories …There are enough entries to form a fine collection. This should be done as a complement to any seminar, or published independent of any seminar. That Reader should also contain some of his non-literary writing, much of which he did in English.

I have described this discovery as a mini-Rosetta Stone event. Hyperbole, of course, but appropriate to the occasion . . . Congrats to all.

Excerpt from the May 2025 Rector’s Newsletter

The Chemistry Department remembered “one of its own”, holding a heart-felt memorial service on April 22 to honor the life and legacy of Professor Emeritus Dr. Munir who passed away on March 25, bringing together family, colleagues, students and others to pay tribute to his wonderful contributions and enduring impact.

Department head Dr. Shazma Azeem introduced the moving event, starting with a video highlighting Dr. Christy Munir’s life, professional journey and academic accomplishments. Others including Dr. Douglas Trimble (Vice Rector); Dr. Gloria Calib (Associate Vice Rector); Dr. Hassan Amir Shah (Dean of Natural Sciences); Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik (Dean of Postgraduate Studies); and various others shared personal reflections celebrating his role as a mentor, educator and compassionate friend, noting that his life would continue to inspire others for generations to come.

Also, The Chemistry Department held its annual Lab Safety Workshop on April 28, with a view toward raising student awareness about essential safety protocols developed for laboratory environments. The first technical session involved seven speakers (Dr. Shazma Azeem, Dr. Mariya al Rashida, Dr. Muhammad Saeed Iqbal, Dr. Dildar Ahmed, Dr. Muhammad Abbas, Dr. Abdul Hafeez and Dr. Seemal Jelani), combining insightful presentations with hands-on training. This was followed by a second technical session focused on practical training in fire extinguisher use and first aid, provided by FCCU Health and Safety Officer Major Kanwal Arune Isaacs and Mr. Shahid Waheed from Rescue 1122.

The English Department’s “Writer’s Lounge” series continues to bring outstanding speakers to Forman. During this month that included a program on April 8 featuring Dr. Waseem Anwar (Director of Kinnaird College’s International Center for Pakistani Writing in English) and Nosheen Yousuf (English Instructor at Government College University in Faisalabad and columnist for Dawn and The Nation). Both Dr. Waseem and Nosheen served as editors for Transcultural Humanities in South Asia: Critical Essays on Literature and Culture (Routledge, 2022).

Also, the English Department’s Graduate Seminar Series hosted a talk on April 24 featuring Dr. Shahab Yar Khan, Associate Professor in the Department of Shakespearean Studies at the University of Sarajevo in Bosnia.

This was followed the next day by another talk as part of our English Department’s Graduate Seminar Series, this time on The Diversity of Sufi Literature in South Asia delivered by Dr. Waqas Sajjad, Assistant Professor at Beaconhouse University.

Raheel Iqbal, CEO of Game Storm Studios and Director of the OZI Group, led an interactive session for Computer Science students on April 9, drawing on his seventeen plus years working in game and applications development.

Our Visual Arts Department staged a wonderful Art Exhibit featuring student work as part of their Painting and Drawing classes (ARTS 111 and ARTS 102). This was the first student exhibit featured in the new Forman Art Gallery in the Jim Tebbe Campus Center and from my perspective the results were amazing.

The Geography Department organized a one-day trip to Kallar Kahar, the Katas Raj Temples, and the Khewra Salt Mines on April 12, providing opportunities to explore one of Pakistan’s unique physical, geological and cultural landscapes while also setting the stage for field-based learning.

Finally, a special thanks to Dr. Aneel Samuel who has provided dedicated service to the Forman College Urdu Department for the past fifteen years; he now moves to the University section of our institution where we expect his contributions will be equally significant. At the same time, we welcome Dr. Shahida Dilawar Shah, a prolific contributor to Urdu literature and the author of several books, as the new head of the College Urdu Department.

As College Vice Rector Dr. Ivan Suneel notes, “We express our deepest gratitude for Dr. Aneel Samuel’s commitment, leadership, and contributions over the years”. At the same time, “We are confident that Dr. Shahida will take the Department forward with vision and strength”.

Excerpt from the May 2025 Rector’s Newsletter

My name is Bhalji. I belong to a remote area in Sindh, a place that has ignited a spark in me to pursue education for change in my society, which I carry forward in my journey at FCCU.

I belong to a family in which education is rarely found, and everything depends on hard work in fields and farming. I want to create a change in my society. In the future, I want to help students like me.

I decided to choose FCCU because it has a system of quality education that is rarely found in Pakistan’s universities. It creates an environment where people are intellectually curious and grow in excellence.

FCCU is a diverse liberal arts university. The lively, dynamic community fosters both professional and personal development. There is a combination of demanding academic programs, a robust faculty and peer network, and a dedication to holistic development. A well-rounded education, exposure to various viewpoints, and the chance to flourish in a demanding yet encouraging environment are some of its advantages.

My father died a few years ago (may God rest his soul in peace), and since then I have been under the guardianship of my brother. He is older than me and takes care of my family. He is a farmer but hardly earns enough money to make ends meet. It is very difficult for him to pay my fees.

I have four older brothers. None of them is studying or has studied at any school. I am the only one in my family pursuing higher education.

I applied for financial aid because there is no one to support me financially. Since my guardian is unable to pay my fees, I want to pursue my education and sought this way to continue. I applied for financial aid to ease the financial burden on my family and to ensure that I can focus fully on my studies. This support will allow me to pursue my educational goals without worrying about financial constraints and will bring me one step closer to realizing my dreams.

FCCU has supported me throughout my academic career. It has given me the tools, guidance, and opportunities I need to advance both intellectually and personally. The campus atmosphere, the vibrant student body, and the faculty’s mentoring have all greatly influenced who I am today.

I have gained priceless life skills from my time at university, including teamwork, critical thinking, and time management. I have learned how to be more adaptable in a constantly changing world, to approach problems with an open mind, and to seek opportunities for collaboration.

My long-term objective is to take the CSS exam and secure a position as a Deputy Commissioner after I graduate. Through social programs and efficient governance, I hope to positively impact my community, especially the underprivileged. I am passionate about helping people in need and working toward a more equitable society.

To my donors, I am sincerely and deeply grateful for your kind assistance. I now have hope and the chance to pursue my dreams because of your generosity. I pledge to work hard and take full advantage of this opportunity to truly make a difference. I am incredibly thankful for your selflessness and belief in my potential.

Visitors this month included a Friends of Forman team from the US headed by Executive Director Roger Dermody and including Friends of Forman Board Chair David Renwick. Friends Board member Kristine Braden who spent 25 years at CitiBank (and was CEO of CitiBank Europe) took

Once again, our Friends of Forman guests appreciated the many courtesies extended to them across the campus throughout their visit. One special highlight was a Founder’s Day visit to the grave of Rev. Charles Forman situated outside the Old City.

Other recent visitors include Parvez Samuel Dean from Asheville (North Carolina) who taught English and Mass Communication at Forman from 1968 until 1981 and then again from 2003 to 2010; his former students included both Dr. Kamal and Dr. Sufian.

Parvez mentioned that he had grown up on the Gordon College campus in Rawalpindi when Dr. Robert Tebbe headed the Chemistry Department. In addition, he recalled his contributions to basketball at Forman while also noting that this was his first visit to Forman since 2010, having served as Associate Vice Rector for Academic Affairs under Dr. Dubash during 2007-2010.

Often our visitors stay at the Christy Munir Guesthouse, next to the Forman Botanical Gardens. Yousaf Benjamin and Fayyaz Raza representing Gideon’s International dropped by the Rector’s office on March 21 to request that Gideon Bibles in both English and Urdu be placed in each of our 10 guesthouse rooms, in case future visitors request them.

Investments in IT infrastructure are vital, even as the costs of this essential item continue to escalate. In particular, the demand for videos and live streaming among students, faculty and staff is high and growing, even as we work to increase the bandwidth that we pay for to help cover it.

Although there are three months left in this financial year (July 2024 to June 2025), thanks to Anthony Richards as Chief Information Officer and Furqan Seith as Chief Financial Officer we have purchased more than 440 new computers, providing for a much-needed IT upgrade across the College and University. This includes 146 computers for the Campus Center; and 150 computers for college computer labs; and 80 computers for university computer labs (plus another 20 computers for university physics labs).

Virtually all of these purchases have been internally funded, the main exceptions being three computers for the Forman Population Research Center provided by the UN Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA); five computers for the Center for Biblical Training and Research (CBTR) funded by an anonymous foundation via Friends of Forman; and 40 computers for the Light of Hope Computer Lab, also funded by Friends of Forman.

In addition, the IT Equipment Policy approved last year has led to many members of faculty and staff buying laptops and receiving reimbursement for some of the costs involved. With respect to staff specifically, Assistant Managers and higher are eligible to apply for laptops — and, so far, at least 40 eligible members of staff have by now requested and received them.