Traveling to Pakistan is not an easy trip. Because of the nature of our ministry, we experience some difficulties that others do not. For example, several years ago, all our bank accounts in the USA were canceled. As it turns out, the bank, a major national chain, received pressure from a “Banker’s Bank” they deal with in the Middle East. Evidently, continued loans from this bank were dependent on canceling Jon Nelms’ accounts, his ministry, and his family. The reason given was, “We don’t like Jon Nelms, and we don’t like what he does.” Fortunately, the USA bank gave us thirty days to move all our accounts rather than shutting them down instantly.
I also receive a significant number of assassination threats and attempts, particularly when traveling overseas, and often have volunteer or hired escorts. For that reason, I have several contacts in international organizations who advise me on where and when not to go. I try to abide by their counsel. Before leaving for Pakistan, I secured their approval with the caveat that I stay away from a certain region there because several Taliban training camps are located there.
Though my intention was to obey, I found myself having wandered into the no-go zone. I did meet a young Taliban fighter and an older Mujahedeen, but neither meeting was significant, and I enjoyed conversing with them.
My error was obvious when arriving at a hotel after an overnight journey. We went to our rooms for two hours to rest before heading out for the day. When we came down to the lobby, several distinguished-looking men were there to meet me and introduced themselves as the regional heads of the police and military. They forbade us to walk around town, and even on the hotel property, we could not sit outside.
They also assigned armed guards to accompany us. When we ate, we fed them and bought them cokes and cakes. They were interested in what we did and why, giving us ample opportunity to speak of Christ and imitate Him. When the time came to leave, they told Pastor Shaukat to request them again in the future and expressed their love and respect for my wife, whom they said acted on the same level as the poor people we visited and never acted above them. I truly have a great wife.
Ministering with an armed escort was not difficult. But any time we stepped out of the van for a restroom or to buy a coke, they jumped out as well, with their machine guns and pistols. For several days there, they stayed with us, and when it came time to leave, they gave us an escort out of the area. As we approached the entry point of the next region, our guards pulled off, and a new escort took the lead until we arrived safely at our destination.
Before the trip month was over, both Nolin and I were admitted to the hospital; she suffered from the flu, and I had become dehydrated and lost ten pounds. The doctors and nurses knew that we were Christian missionaries. Though Muslim, they were extremely polite and helpful to us.
Even when we stopped at a store or bank and asked to use the restroom, we were granted liberty and served hot tea or coffee. They seemed so honored to host us. I love Pakistan. I am thankful for the time I get to spend there and the work that, with your donations, we get to finance. They will truly be jewels in our crowns and yours as well.
