Program Producer Honored for Work Among 1 Million Urdu Speakers in Toronto

January 31, 2013

Program Producer Honored for Work Among 1 Million Urdu Speakers in Toronto

January 31, 2013

Nafees Zakaria, Consul General of Pakistan in Toronto, presents a 'Certificate of Honor' to Javed on Dec. 23, 2012.

(Jan. 31, 2013 - by Harold Goerzen) For the second time in the last year, a Christian Urdu-speaking radio program producer in Canada has been honored for his work among the 1 million-plus people who speak this language in the greater Toronto area.

*Javed, who produces programs at HCJB Global-Canada's recording studios in Cambridge, Ontario, received the "Certificate of Honor" from International Christian Voice (ICV) during a Christmas banquet in Toronto Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012.

ICV, working in Canada since 2000, is a human rights organization that stands up for Christians and other religious minorities in Pakistan. It serves as a "voice of the oppressed, promoting the religious, social, economic and political rights of victims, regardless of color, caste or creed," according to the organization's website.

The certificate went to Javed for his work to help, support and encourage persecuted Christians, both in Toronto and abroad. Presenting the award was Nafees Zakaria, Consul General of Pakistan in Toronto. Also present were four Canadian members of parliament and a senator. Javed was one of two persons to receive the award.

"Javed has an amazing passion to reach his people," said HCJB Global-Canada Director Ian Leaver. "He works very hard, mostly on his personal time, and asks for little in return. These last few years have not been an easy journey, but his commitment and faith have remained steadfast."

In addition to producing the broadcasts, Javed makes himself available to Pakistani immigrants in the area, comforting and encouraging those attempting to build new lives, often visiting listeners in their homes and helping where he can.

ICV Vice Chairman Tanveer Joseph said Javed has "good respect in the community. A lot of people on our committee mentioned that when we considered who would receive the certificate last year. He is so helpful when new people arrive. He introduces them to us, and he serves as a bridge of contact with people who need help."

In some cases, the new immigrants are refugees, escaping persecution in Pakistan and "need assistance starting life from scratch," explained Joseph. "People in our organization help with everything from documentation to shopping and finding a place to live."

Javed was also honored last May when he was one of several recipients of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Award for his contributions to Canada's Urdu-speaking Pakistani community. The Canadian Christian Association presented the award to him in Mississauga, Ontario, on Saturday, May 26. He was recognized for his eight years of service with Christian media, uniting the community, sharing the gospel and highlighting the needs of persecuted Christians worldwide.

Javed, himself a Pakistani who immigrated to Canada some 30 years ago and works full time as a car salesman, produces 4½ hours of monthly programming that airs Saturday mornings on CJMR 1320 AM and on satellite. In addition, he submits content to www.ethnoradio.com, HCJB Global-Canada's website designed to support and inspire Canada's many ethnic groups. Webcasts are expected to begin on Friday, Feb. 1.

Joseph added that Javed's radio programs are growing in popularity among listeners. "The people he interviews on the program speak our language. By bringing in people from different churches, you get the gospel message from different angles."

In his endeavors to build up and evangelize the Pakistani/South Asian community, Javed has founded two organizations in the last few years. In 2010 he started the Toronto United Convention Committee which brings in special speakers from overseas to speak at conferences in Toronto. Then in 2012 he also launched the South Asian Council of Christian Churches, an organization that helps pastors maintain a focus on evangelism while defending the rights of persecuted believers in their homelands.

"Persecution in Pakistan is rampant," Javed said. "In March 2011 Pakistan's Federal Minority Minister was assassinated for attempting to protect Christians' rights. Kidnapping is an everyday occurrence in Pakistan. It's not even safe for young girls to walk to school, especially in villages and remote areas."

Javed no longer takes his family to visit Pakistan, saying it's "just too dangerous." During one of his recent visits to see relatives, the Taliban threatened to bomb a school just a few buildings away from where he was staying. On another occasion, Javed's daughter was with family in Karachi when six Taliban burst into the home where she was sleeping, ransacked the house and held the occupants for 1½ hours before leaving them alone.

"Javed feels a strong burden to be an advocate for his country and fellow believers by accurately reporting to the churches/community here what is happening in their homeland," added Leaver's wife, Sheila. "He keeps a pulse on what is happening in Pakistan, seeking to assist anxious family members in Canada and pursuing government help when such action is appropriate."

*Javed's family name is omitted for security reasons.

Sources: HCJB Global-Canada, International Christian Voice

Director of Church & Donor Partnerships

Position Summary: The Director of Church & Donor Partnerships strengthens Reach Beyond’s ministry by cultivating purposeful, trust-based relationships with churches, pastors, donors, and mission-minded individuals. Serving as a storyteller, encourager, and connector, this role invites the Body of Christ to join in God’s mission to reach those with little or no access to the Gospel.

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