The primary purpose of this trip was to conduct a focused training (FT) for GlobalMed Transcriptions, known to be the largest medical transcription company in Pakistan.
The timing was not the best because GMT is in the process of on-boarding a new client from Saudi Arabia, which would triple its sales. So, the number of participants varied without consistency. Moreover, the participants showed no great enthusiasm for learning. Their participation was lukewarm. So I felt that I was giving the presentation solely for Riaz. Nonetheless, at times the number of participants reached 13 or 14.
He purchased a house a few years ago and his family live on the ground level. The second floor is used for the business. He proudly displays a sign at the house, "God is Great." Last year, I thought he was bold in doing so, but this time I realized that his neighborhood is part of the expanded Christian community or colony, called Bahar Colony. According to Riaz, 99% of the residents, almost one million, are Christians. Later, BM Ahn said probably less in reality.
When I arrived, Riaz's wife gave me a bouquet to welcome me into their house. It is a Pakistani custom to welcome a guest with a bouquet of flowers.
On the rooftop, he built a guest room and I stayed there. The bathroom had a traditional squart toilet and no hot water. It was somewhat inconvenient, but I managed to live there for a week.
Every morning, Noreen prepared our breakfast. A couple of boiled eggs, a glass of juice, a couple of cups of instant coffee, a couple of toasts. The foods were pretty consistent. At times, however, she prepared Pakistani traditional meals. A basket of fruits was a charming addition to their hospitality.
Riaz founded this business decade ago as the sold owner. He has grown the business thus far with tireless efforts with openminded approaches to new markets. The business now employs more than 100 people and when needed tens of contract laborers can be recruited.
His wife Noreen is a fashion designer, but now is taking care of their four children full time. Very quiet and pleasant. Their four children Enush (13), Triza (11), Abraham (8) and Sheen (8) were all adorable. They came to say Hi to me whenever they came back home from school.
We dined out a few times and each time we had a great time. I took them out to Monal, a Pakistani restaurant located on the rooftop of a parking lot to a large department store. Apparently, this restaurant was successful in Islamabad and it has branched out to Lahore. The city view from the restaurant was panoramic and breath-taking.
We also went out to eat at another Pakistani restaurant on the last day of training.
BM Ahn is a Korean businessman. He used to carry a consulting business, but is now inactive. Instead, he is focusing on finishing up his doctorate degree in Islamic History at Government College University. He hopes to graduate in February 2021. We ate dinner at PF Chang, apparently opened newly in October 2019. It was delicious to eat familiar foods in a while. We will see if there will be an opportunity to work together later in the future.
One day, Riaz and I walked over to Bahar Colony, a nearby Christian community. Most of the residents are living in poverty, but they feel safe living in this community. Riaz said that he also wanted to live close to this colony for safety reasons. The cemetery for Christians well evidenced the poverty level of Christians.
At the end of the week, I asked Riaz if missional business is God's calling for him. After a pause of thoughts, he said "Yes." Then, I asked if he would be willing to obey God's calling and come on the journey together with SfK. He said also "Yes." So we agreed to walk and serve together in this journey. He is a successful Christian businessman and I felt compelled to help him out in whatever capacity that we have. God be with us. - Jeffrey
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