A Legacy of Partnership Comes to Life
When Rev. Roger Dermody first shared the story of Forman Christian College with John Fullerton, senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland, he offered one essential piece of advice: “It’s one of these places you really have to come and see.” John and his wife Cile took that advice to heart, traveling to Lahore, Pakistan, to experience firsthand what their church has supported for nearly 50 years.
While John has only been at First Presbyterian Lakeland for five years, he discovered a rich legacy: his congregation has been partnering with this institution for half a century. Walking across FCCU’s lush campus, the Fullertons quickly understood why words alone can’t capture what makes this place so remarkable.
“It’s hard to describe the breadth of things that are here,” John reflected. From kindergarten at Light of Hope Elementary to doctoral programs at the university level, FCCU offers an educational continuum unlike any other in Pakistan…all on one campus.
Faith in Action Across Boundaries
For Cile, what resonated most was witnessing students live out their faith in real-world contexts. “It’s an opportunity for them to live out their faith in a real-life situation with people of different faiths, different backgrounds, different capabilities,” she observed. “That’s a real-life experience.”
Her visit to Light of Hope Elementary left a particular impression. “The kids all stood in a little line, and they were all very quiet and still. I don’t know a lot of kids like that, so it really cracked me up, and it was impressive. How did they do that?”
John echoed Cile’s sentiment about the mission in action, describing FCCU as “the crown jewel of mission work PCUSA has done.” Seeing transformed lives in person confirmed what their congregation had supported from afar for decades.
An Invitation to Experience Transformation
The Fullertons left Pakistan with plans to return and a challenge for others. Cile expressed interest in coming back within a year to see what changes have taken place and reconnect with people they met. She even suggested bringing other members of the congregation or elders to share the experience.
John went further, encouraging everyone to follow their lead: “I would encourage everybody to not only support, but also to just pray for and maybe when they get a chance, take a short trip over to Pakistan just like we did.”
As John put it, “It’s really fun to be here to see those changed lives and see those lives in the process of being transformed. What a blessing it is.”
Ready to see God’s love made visible in Pakistan? Your support transforms lives through quality education, interfaith dialogue, and opportunities for women and Christians. Donate today to continue this legacy of change!