Debt Slavery: A Modern-Day Exodus
In the book of Exodus, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob hears the cry of his people suffering under four-hundred years of slavery. Their task to was to build the store cities of Pithom and Rameses by toiling underneath a hot Egyptian sun making bricks by hand.
Although it’s been over four thousand years since the Exodus, the method of brickmaking hasn’t changed much, especially in the third world. Typically in the Middle East and South West Asia, the poorest members of society are forced to indebt themselves to local brick kilns in order to provide food, pay for medical procedures, or even to pay for marriages of their daughters. And in a society with no government aid and no access to health insurance, an sudden injury or sickness would .
In the nation of Pakistan alone, over 20,000 kilns operate each day and “employ” around 10 million people directly and indirectly. In the Summer, temperatures can reach up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes a twelve or fourteen-hour work days even more brutal under the blazing sun.
On average, each debtor has to produce around 1,500 bricks a day in order to make the equivalent of $1.50, with another $1.50 supposedly going towards paying off their debt. However, in many cases, debtors are not told how much they still owe, or how much interest is being accrued, which places them further into a system of perpetual debt. Also, if the person that took our the debt dies, the debt passes down to the next of kin, thus the cycle continues to the next Generation.
From Slavery to Freedom: Pastor Tariq’s Story
For 22 years, Tariq worked tiredly under a blazing sun making his quota of bricks for the local brick factory. He was originally trained as a shoemaker; however, when his wife suddenly got sick, Tariq found himself encumbered by the ensuing medical debt. In an attempt to do whatever he could for his wife, Tariq took out a loan. Yet, sadly, his wife passed away, leaving him by himself with his two daughters. Some years later, Tariq had to take out another loan so his daughter could get married.
In addition to his position as a debt-slave, Tariq also maintained a pastoral ministry, working in the days and ministering at night to his fellow workers. He would preach to them and teach them the word of God, discipling those he worked with.
Tariq’s story was presented to Harvest The Nations by a local pastor. We paid off his debt, thus freeing him to do what he loved: ministering the gospel to other brick slaves.
Since his release, Tariq has become a value member of our ground team, often serving as a touch-point between Harvest the Nations and the brick kilns.
A Farmer Becomes Unburdened: Mahmoud’s Story
Mahmoud was the son of a farmer. About fifteen years ago, he had a terrible tractor accident and fractured his back. In order to “fix” his back, he had to pay the surgeon before the procedure was performed. So Mahmoud was forced to take out a loan from the brick kiln.
Mahmoud and his wife Tanzeela, and his four children: Amber, Saheed, Eliya and Ponshazadi, worked for over fifteen years, with no end in site. All of his children were born in bondage, and the brick kiln was the only life that they knew.
However, our ministry partner was alerted to their condition by Tariq. After visiting them and listening to their story, we learn that this Christian family had been praying for years that Jesus would deliver them from their bondage. We first paid for their needs so as to keep them from taking out any more loans. And then in 2025, Harvest the Nations paid off their debt, and gave Mahmoud a couple of months’ wages so they can transition into their new life.
Mahmoud told our minister that he plans to return to farming selling guavas and mangos.
Partnership that Makes a Lasting Impact
Harvest the Nation’s goal in helping these Christian’s is to provide immediate care through supplying food, clothing, and school materials; while also, with prayerful consideration, pay of the debts of individuals and families.
By becoming a partner and committing prayer and resources towards these goal, you become a conduit that the lord uses to accomplish Christ’s work in these dark place.