Registered number: 08732752 Charity number: 1163363
Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Unaudited
Trustees' report and financial statements
for the year ended 31 August 2022
Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited) (A company limited by guarantee)
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details of the charity, its Trustees and advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' report | 2 - 19 |
| Independent examiner's report | 20 |
| Statement of financial activities | 21 |
| Balance sheet | 22 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 23 - 35 |
Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited) (A company limited by guarantee)
Reference and administrative details of the charity, its Trustees and advisers for the year ended 31 August 2022
Trustees
Juliet Chowdhry Dorah Mayah Joel Kyari Vanessa Ramchurn (resigned 22 June 2022)
Company registered number
08732752
Charity registered number
1163363
Registered office
2nd Floor 168 Shoreditch High Street London E1 6RA
Company secretary
Juliet Chowdhry
Accountants
Kreston Reeves LLP Chartered Accountants 2nd Floor 168 Shoreditch High Street London E1 6RA
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Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report for the year ended 31 August 2022
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited) for the year 1 September 2021 to 31 August 2022. The Annual report serves the purposes of both a Trustees' report and a directors' report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).
Since the charity qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the Strategic report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted.
Change of Name
On the 22nd July 2022 the Charity changed its name from British Pakistani Christians Limited to Help for Persecuted Christians. The Trustees believe that this better reflects the work of the Charity. Companies House has given permission for the Charity to dispense with the word "Limited".
Objectives and activities
a. Policies and objectives
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
The charity's objectives are to assist people of Pakistani origin in both the United Kingdom and in Pakistan having particular emphasis on the Christian communities and specifically:
The promotion of equality and diversity for the public benefit by:
the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religion; advancing education and raising awareness in equality and diversity; promoting activities to foster understanding between people from diverse backgrounds; conducting or commissioning research on equality and diversity issues and publishing the results to the public; cultivating a sentiment in favour of equality and diversity; acting as advocates for Pakistani Christians facing persecution.
The promotion of religious harmony for the benefit of the public by:
educating the public in different religious beliefs including awareness of their distinctive features and their common ground to promote good relations between persons of different faiths; promoting knowledge and mutual understanding and respect of beliefs and practices of different religious faiths.
The relief of financial need and suffering among victims of natural or other kinds of disaster in the form of money (or other means deemed suitable) for persons, bodies, organisations and/or countries affected including the provision of medical aid.
The prevention or relief of poverty or financial hardship in the UK or Pakistan by providing or assisting in the provision of education, training, healthcare projects and all necessary support designed to enable individuals to generate a sustainable income to be self-sufficient.
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Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 August 2022
Objectives and activities (continued)
b. Activities undertaken to achieve objectives
This has been the eighth year that the charity has been in operation and the charity has continued to build links with communities in Pakistan and this country as well as understanding their needs and requirements.
In particular the following activities have been undertaken in the past year:
provision of safe houses for women trapped in forced marriages, blasphemy victims and other persecuted Christians in Pakistan. Currently they are rented but we hope to have one permanent house by next year; debt relief programmes, where possible, including business training, educational programmes and slavery emancipation;
clean water projected to improve health and well being of persecuted Christians, improve low life expectancy and to protect vulnerable Christian girls from abduction and rape while relieving themselves in local fields; legal aid provision for victims of blasphemy laws and persecution through the hiring of professional solicitors; international advocacy by writing country reports, contributing to UK and other national Country Policy and Information Notes for immigration and asylum;
UK poverty eradication programmes for teenagers in Redbridge for which we are planning to create a nonalcoholic bar for teenagers at which community leaders will talk to them to improve community citizenship, reduce knife crime, improve interfaith harmony and increase environmental awareness and efficiency. We aim to increase the diversity of the people using services at our community centre;
homeless help in the local community of Redbridge. We began a soup kitchen to serve the homeless in 2020 which has now expended to include a Food bank and serves up to 40 people 3 times a day. During COVID-19 lockdowns the service ran daily and was visited by up to 65 people a day.
Achievements and performance
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Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 August 2022
Achievements and performance (continued)
a. Main achievements of the charity
September 2021
The year started of with disappointment as the hearing for an appeal for Nabeel Maish who made history by becoming the youngest blasphemy prisoner at 16 years of age, suffered further postponements. Reasons for the postponements included Judge holidays and a lawyers strike.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/hopes-for-acquittal-for-pakistans-youngest-blasphemyprisoner-dashed-by-yet-another-lawyers-strike-and-holidaymaking-judge-in-the-meanwhile-threats-to-his-lifeincrease/
Things got worse when a 10 year old Christian girl was raped by a young Muslim man of only 18 years. The attack was particularly brutal as the teenager was struck on the head with a rock before being abducted and suffering her rape ordeal. We offered the family a solicitor and financial help but they chose to be served by another charity.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/christian-girl-of-10-years-beaten-over-head-with-stone-andthen-carried-into-barn-where-she-was-raped-by-local-muslim-teenager/
In response to the August withdrawal from Afghanistan that led to the seizure of control by the Taliban, BACA joined the Muslim Education Centre of Oxford headed by Imam Dr Taj Hargey in holding a rally outside 10 Downing Street. Imam Dr Taj Hargey, said:
BACA supported a proposal to introduce an asylum allocation for 10,000 Afghan women to the UK. We also sought a further allocation of 5,000 asylum places for at-risk Christians who face the most deadly of threats under the new regime.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/protestors-converge-at-10-downing-street-to-oppose-talibanoppression-in-afghanistan/
Reports emerged that two further Christian girls had been abducted, kidnapped, raped and forced into Islamic marriage. We could not offer help to the two girls as we simply did not have the funds to provide support. The two girls got help from other charities but neither girl achieved freedom from their abductors. Princess (14 yrs) and Chashman Kanwal are still locked in their Islamic marriages.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/two-further-reports-of-christian-girls-kidnapped-and-forced-intoislamic-marriage-highlights-a-disturbing-pattern/
A Danish Newspaper revisited Asia Bibi’s escape from Pakistan after being acquitted of blasphemy after incarceration in isolation for 9.5 yrs. Juliet Chowdhry our Trustee was invited to comment in view of the work we had put in to emancipate Mrs Bibi and understanding of how her freedom was affecting society in Pakistan.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/asia-bibis-memoirs-published-in-denmark-lead-to-interviewwith-juliet-chowdhry/
On 6th September, a Christian community in Sherakot was attacked by a Gang of Muslims who shot at homes with hundreds of rounds, causing injuries to six people. BACA provided the community with a solicitor and were able to get the crime into court and registered under anti-terrorism laws.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/christian-community-shot-at-causing-injuries-to-dozens/
October 2021:
Two Christian sewage workers were killed rescuing a Christian sewage worker who fell unconscious in a large sewer. None of the employee were wearing PPE and all were sent inside despite a failed safety survey. We
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Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 August 2022
Achievements and performance (continued)
supported the families by paying for funeral costs and covering wages for the families of the survivor and the deceased for 6 months. We attempted to take the sewage department to court for compensation but the case was later settled out of court with the families.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/two-christian-sewerage-workers-killed-saving-life-of-christianworker-who-was-forced-into-a-toxic-sewer-that-was-flagged-as-unsafe/
We successfully won initial trials in sessions curt for the gang who had shot the six Christians during a rampage in September. The men were arrested and the case was to proceed in the Lahore High Court and Anti-Terrorism Court. After three months however, under the threat of further attacks the Christian community accepted a compromise payment from the attackers to restore peace. This was brokered by our solicitor at the behest of community leaders. Since the compromise no further attack has taken place but we have informed Christian leaders that we are willing to step in and support if future incidents arise.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/muslim-terrorists-who-attacked-innocent-christian-communitywill-face-trial-in-pakistans-anti-terrorism-courts/
At District Court Wazirabad during a hearing on 9th October, almost a year after Mr Hussain Shakoor Butt shot dead a Christian mother and son, the judge decided in favour of the Claimant and ordered two death sentences and a fine of 600,000 Pak-rupees (£2547). The court however acquitted his mother Itrat Bibi who was already on post arrest bail which it is believed was based on leniency for her being an elderly Muslim woman. Father Shabbir Masih who has lost his wife and only son in the murder is now supported with a month donation for life, thanks to the regular donations of a former beneficiary of ours in the UK.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/fundamentalist-muslim-is-given-two-death-sentences-forkilling-ritually-impure-kaffir-in-argument-over-water-drainage/
The murder of MP David Amess in a knife attack on Friday has sent new terrorism shockwaves around the globe. The attack by an Islamic extremist of 25 years of age, now identified as Ali Harbi Ali a Somalian migrant whose father Harbi Ali Kullane is a diplomat for the Somali Government and once worked as a Director for Communications for the Somalian President. Willow Chowdhry one of our volunteers attends a school in Southend and visited his offices to lay a wreath of flowers at a memorial. BACA called for a tightening of the UK Government’s anti-radicalisation ‘Prevent Strategy’.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/murdered-mps-death-at-the-hands-of-extremism-identifiesweakness-of-prevent-strategy/
The Royal Thai Government lifted their COVID-19 pandemic lock-down and British Asian Christian Association carried on their food provision to asylum seekers and refugees, ensuring desperate families from the South Asian Christian diaspora continued receiving food essentials. This was because many businesses were still closed and asylum seekers continued to struggle finding opportunities for illegal work.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/uncategorised/thailand-pak-christian-asylum-seekers-receive-welcomefood-relief-as-lockdown-continues/
Working with the Salvation Army we gave clothes, toys and books for newly migrated Afghan refugees in Redbridge. We initially partnered with several Afghan groups for distribution all of which were based in North London, but their stockpiles soon began to exceed their storage space. Refugees from Afghanistan were placed in temporary hotels.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/appeals/desperate-need-for-warm-weather-clothing-to-help-afghanrefugees/
Hannah Chowdhry our 17 year old volunteer wrote a report on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, focusing on Christian girls that are abducted and raped. It was written for an Extra Project Qualification (EPQ):
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Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 August 2022
Achievements and performance (continued)
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/17-year-old-a-level-student-writes-report-on-pak-christian-girlsforced-into-islamic-marriage-for-her-epq/
November 2021:
BACA took over a murder case in which only the bones of the deceased 17 year old boy had been found. Through the work of our solicitor we were able to get convictions for all 4 murderers who had sodomised Iftikhar Masih (RIP).
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/halloweenesque-skeletal-remains-point-to-rape-and-murder-ofmissing-12-y-o-christian-boy/
We reported on the continued delays for Nabeel Masih who was 16 years old when imprisoned for blasphemy. Fears were raised about his safety but the judge and prosecution continued to delay and postpone at whim.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/judicial-prejudice/
Tabitha Masih, who was raped at the tender age of 6 years by a Young Muslim man of 18 years in our previous accounting year, was still awaiting justice. Her family were facing the same delays as Nabeel Masih and others seeking justice through the Pakistani courts.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/appeals/pak-court-shenanigans-delay-justice-for-christian-child-raped-at-6years-of-age/
A Muslim family murdered two Christian brothers over a dispute over irrigation water, used between their neighbouring farms. The attack which occurred on 8th October 2021 in Betlham Chak 2 Renala District Okara also left a further 3 Christians brothers injured. BACA stepped in to pay for funerals and funded a solicitor,
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/mustwo-christian-farmers-killed-over-irrigation-water/
A terrorist who killed only himself when the bomb he intended to detonate in a suicide attack exploded in a taxi, was apparently a Christian convert. Mr Al swelaman had attended church for a prolonged time, which was a worrying development. He had obvious Islamic faith by the time he misfired the incendiary explosive device (IED). BACA called for the church to be more cautious when dealing with converts.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/terror-attack-in-liverpool/
A grief-stricken mother died from the depression of having agreed a compromise deal for her murdered 10-year old son. An action she took through fear that her remaining 10 year own son would be killed. We began a battle to ensure that the Muslim murderers honoured their agreement to provide the compensation, to surviving child Soojal after the mothers death.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/appeals/grief-stricken-mother-dies/
After a Christian man was sodomised and killed by Muslim friends we began the battle for justice, assisting mother Shareefa Bibi with an accomplished solicitor. Pre-arrest bails were thwarted and hearings were heading in the right direction by November.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/justice-for-christian-father-sodomised-and-killed-by-muslimfriends-draws-near/
December 2021:
Zafar Bhatti is the longest serving blasphemy victim in Pakistan’s history. He spent over 10 years in the care of other charities and made the decision to transfer to BACA who had been caring for his wife for the duration of his incarceration. Sadly, the previous solicitor did not defend Zafar Bhatti correctly or appeal against a stiffening of
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Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 August 2022
Achievements and performance (continued)
his penalty to a death sentence and now Zafar Bhatti faced potentially being the first Christian killed by the state for blasphemy despite his innocence.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/forgotten-and-forlorn-pakistans-longest-serving-blasphemyconvict-turns-to-baca-for-help/
Throughout the year we continued our work providing food for Pakistani Christian asylum seekers and refugees in Thailand. Many of them feared that another COVID-19 lockdown would bring them close to starvation through abject poverty.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/pak-christian-asylum-community-fears-another-lockdown-willresult-in-starvation/
Police identified by early-December that the terrorist who died through a misfire of the IED device strapped to his waist, in a taxi in Liverpool, had either faked conversion or reconverted to Islam 3 months, before the incident. We reported on this development.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/liverpool-terror-attack-perpetrator-either-faked-conversion-tochristianity-or-reconverted-to-islam/
On 3rd December, a mob of infuriated Muslims lynched a Sri Lankan man named Priyantha Kumara (49 yrs), who was working at a factory on Wazirabad Road, Sialkot. In the heightened frenzy, hundreds of Muslim men kicked and hit the dead body of Mr Kumara, while taking selfies and sharing them on social media. We were unable to reach the family in Sri Lanka where the body was taken, but reported about the attack.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/sri-lankan-factory-worker-lynched/
BACA began plans to install a Nativity Scene in Ilford, for the first time since the beheading of a previous figurine display we installed in 2018. Last year we introduced the first ever public nativity and Christmas light display to Chigwell Row (installed at All Saints Church). This year we were to replicate the same display (though slightly smaller at Ilford High Road Baptist Church.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/teenager-resurrects-project/
A furious judge took up the cause of Tabitha who was 6 years old when raped by an 18 year old Muslim man, in a case that had suffered huge delay due to failure of the defence counsel to attend court or put up an argument. The judge threatened to involve the state prosecutor if further postponements were required.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/furious-judge/
A Christian father chasing justice for his son’s murderers was accused of kidnap by the family of felons, seeking to thwart justice. Our solicitor came to the rescue and had the false allegations dismissed in court while still leading on the prosecution of the killers of Saleem Masih. Saleem was killed for daring to use the same well to wash as Muslims which was believed to have made the water ritually impure.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/despicable-attempt-to-thwart-justice/
Hopes for an early acquittal than expected for Zafar Bhatti were raised after Naseeb Anjum working with our trustees, found a few holes in the evidence for the original conviction. Expectations were for a pre-Christmas release.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/freedom-may-yet-come/
Tired of the court postponements, changes of judges and prejudicial comments made by on Muslin Judge, Advocate Naseeb Anjum decided to prepare a writ to the High Court to quash the original First Information Report, that police registered against Nabeeel Masih. We hoped that the higher courts would make the obvious
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Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 August 2022
Achievements and performance (continued)
decision to acquit Nabeeel, which the lower courts were avoiding.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/appeals/more-unwarranted-court-delays-lead-to-high-court-writ-to-acquitteenage-blasphemy-prisoner/
The orphans of Shama and Shahzad were met before Christmas and they requested computers to aid their learning. The family were pleased to see us and shared a video that we shared with all of our supporters.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/orphans-who-survived/
Pak-Christian asylum seekers and refugees had a somber Christmas as arrests were taking place even in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Christians feared being locked up in the unhygienic and squalid cells of the Bangkok Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) would leave then prone to infection. Even then in a hired room in a condo we were able to organise a Christmas service with hot meal and food product distribution.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/secret-christmas-worship/
January 2022:
We spoke about societal concerns exposed when famous Muslim personalities were being insulted, receiving death threats and being trolled on social media for wishing people a Merry Christmas. In Particular Mo Salah was condemned for his family wearing Rudolph the reindeer ensigned pyjamas and sitting in front of a Christmas tree. The levels of vitriol and vehemence that Mo Salah was targeted with was horrendous, especially when you consider Rudolph and Christmas Trees have nothing to do with the original Christmas story and are simply products of commercialism, that ensure everyone can celebrate something during the period without it being offensive.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/mo-salah-like/
After the previous solicitor working with another charity failed to apply for an appeal to a prosecution submission calling for Zafar Bhatti’s sentence to be raised from life imprisonment to a death sentence. It became to late to appeal the decision once we took over his legal case and Zafar now potentially faces being the first Christian killed by the state for blasphemy.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/appeals/pakistans-longest-serving-blasphemy-victim-has-been-givendeath-sentence/
We also released an appeal for a new prosthetic leg for Aleeza who was only 1.5 years old when she lost her bowels and left leg during the terrorist attack at bethel Memorial Methodist Church in Quetta in 2017. We were now in a program of changing these legs every 6 months instead of every year due to her speed of growth.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/quetta-bomb-survivor-at-1-5-years-now-5-years-old-needsnew-limb/
A deadly blizzard killed a score of people at Muree in the NE of Pakistan. We called for prayer for those caught in the natural disaster, their families and rescue workers.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/deadly-blizzard-in-murree-pakistan-kills-a-score-of-people/
We were successful, in our appeal for computers for the orphaned children of Shama and Shahzad. The children were so happy they shared a video explaining how much the computers were helping them study and play.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/orphans-of-blasphemy-victims-burned-alive-in-a-brick-kilnreceive-computers-for-educational-needs/
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Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 August 2022
Achievements and performance (continued)
Shabir Masih informed us of how difficult his life had become after the loss of wife and his only son in a murder committed due to a perceived ritual impurity. He was now all alone due to his daughter-in-law having been remarried and moved some distance away with his grandchildren. We committed to paying £50 a month to him thanks to a donation commitment from one of our former beneficiaries. He also began to pursue justice ad the conviction of the mother and accomplice of the murderer, who we were successful in obtaining a conviction for.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/christian-man/
We continued our shipping of items to be upcycled across to Pakistan, with shipments of formerly loved clothes, books and toys reaching some of the most deprived Christian families in the outskirts of Lahore.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/community-projects/new-and-unwanted/
Various appeals were submitted for Zafar Bhatti, as fears regarding the deterioration of his health and his wife’s and a looming death sentence increased:
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/appeal-submitted/
In January we also secured a conviction for the murderer of Shehzad Masih who at 25 years old was sodomized by two friends, who then killed him by blowing up his Anus with high pressure gas, in an attempt to thwart justice. Both men involved in the attack were given life sentences and the family were awarded compensation. This murder trial was completed within a year and is the fastest with a Christian victim, a testament to the changing BACA is bringing to the political and legal landscape within Pakistan.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/life-sentences-given/
The month of January ended with the cold-blooded assassination of Pastor William a story that was shared across the globe, and met with the condemnation of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/pastor-shot-dead-on-way-home-after-service-assistantsurvives-gun-attack-with-minor-injuries/
We covered funeral costs and medical costs for the two Pastors and attended the funeral of Pastor William.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/funeral-of-pastor-slain-in-terrorist-attack-is-attended-bythousands/
Hannah Chowdhry, Communications Officer for British Asian Christian Association, visited All Saints Church in Wolverhampton at the end of January, to share an update on BACA’s work in Pakistan. One of many talks she made at churches throughout the year.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/community-projects/hannah-chowdhry-shares-baca-update-at-fellowshipof-servants-service-in-wolverhampton/
We continued our work in Thailand sharing food parcels and were saddened to hear about the racism PakChristians were facing, due to the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 that had arisen from India. We emailed UNHCR Thailand with our concerns for Pak-Christians during a difficult period for this asylum seeker/refugee community.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/omicron-variant-surge/
February 2022:
BACA was invited to a very private memorial service with friends and family of Pastor William a few days after his funeral. His son and Assistant Pastor Naeem who survived the shooting both spoke of the need for love not anger. It is extremely encouraging and a testament to the services of BACA that we continue to be well loved by
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the community we serve.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/7372/
The removal of Abide with Me and internationally renown Hymn from the closing ceremony of Republic Day (when India ratified their constitution), stirred up social media and news debate across India. The majority of people wanted the Hymn to return and did not agree that removing it helped extricate India from it’s colonial past. It was heart-warming to see that so many Indians were nostalgic about the wonder of the music and lyrics, and did not see it as a force in opposition of their faith.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/removal-of-famous-hymn-from-indian-military-ceremony-hascaused-a-real-stir/
After an early construction phase for a church in India was destroyed by the Municipal Council in Hyderabad, British Asian Christian Association, helped the Pastor with free advocacy for dealings with the council and funds towards new materials for a replacement church building.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/india-local-planning-enforcers-destroy-hated-new-churchconstruct-within-a-month-of-erection/
A Christian Pastor from Jharkhand India narrowly survived an assassination attack while staying at the home of a disciple, due to an elephant stampede preventing travel home. We covered Pastor Narendra’s medical costs and helped with the loss of wages while he recovered.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/india-pastor-attacked/
A Muslim man from Khanewal, Pakistan was stoned and beaten to death and his body burned publicly after an alleged blasphemy. BACA covered the story:
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/man-stoned-to-death/
A bail application for Zafar Bhatti was submitted to the Sessions Court in Rawal Pindi as we attempted to have him set free. We warned our subscribers that Zafar had an impending death sentence and could be killed at the whim of the courts.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/bail-application/
A 20ft statue of Jesus Christ that was erected in 2004 was pulled down unceremoniously and then smashed to pieces by the Kolam Administration of District Karnataka. The Archbishop of Bangalore, Peter Machado condemned the act which he said occurred without the local authority going through due process. BACA helped with costs for a solicitor the legal battle is one that will be ongoing for several years.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/destruction-of-statue-of-jesus-in-india-highlights-growing-hindunationalism/
27th February 2022 will forever be remembered as the day churches across the globe prayed for an end to conflict between Russia and Ukraine.The war in Ukraine has displaced over 500,000 people mainly women and children who have sought asylum in neighbouring countries, of which Poland has the largest percentage.Though President of Putin of Russia claimed that he would not be attacking civilian sites, increasing evidence illustrates that schools, homes and other non-military sites have been hit by land and air strikes. BACA reported on the brave decision by Irish missionaries to stay in Ukraine to complete their calling:
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/global-churches-pray/
War broke out in Ukraine and Prime Minister Imran Khan made light of it while visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin. We reported on this matter:
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https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/pakistans-pm-makes-light-of-ukraine-attack-while-meetingwith-president-putin/
We continued to visit and support the families of the two Sewage workers killed while saving one Christian worker in October 2021. Our financial support was for 6 months allowing the families to find ways to support themselves after the death of two patriarchs.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/valentines-day/
A young Indian Pastor suffered a public beating by Hindu fanatics in Madhya Pradesh till the young Pastor was unconscious.Police initially took the unconscious Pastor to their police station for arrest under anti-conversion laws, but thought better of it when he did not revive. After spending 12 days in Hospital the Pastor was discharged and immediately imprisoned and interrogated by police.The Pastor then spent 3 days in a prison cell before being released on bail. We paid his medical costs and for legal assistance for a court case under Madhya Pradesh’s Anti Conversion laws. He was exonerated.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/pastor-beaten-to-unconsc/
March 2022:
Disturbing news of racism faced by black and Asian people seeking a way out of Ukraine while the nation was beset with war, were confirmed by the United Nations (UN). Many of the black and Indian people who were being discriminated against were studying medicine in Ukrainian Universities, where they found the cost of education was less expensive than other European Nations. BACA reported on the story.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/police-block-black/
We successful with our appeal for bomb survivor Aleeza Masih and were able to pay for her to have a new prosthetic limb in March. Aleeza showed how well the new leg fit in a few videos.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/child-of-5-yrs-who/
An application for the quashment of Nabeel Masih’s blasphemy charges was dismissed and we had to begin a new appeal process and we continued to challenge for a full acquittal.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/high-court-rejects-quashment-application-for-nabeel-masihwho-was-16-when-imprisoned-for-blasphemy/
We reported on the stabbing incident of Pastor Narendra Besra (46 yrs) that occurred on February 4, 2022. He took several stab and slash wounds to his shoulder chest, hand, and head in a possible murder/assassination attempt. The attack occurred while staying over night in a village called Baghima-Pahantoli , where he had been visiting church members. We paid for his medical treatment and for help with his lost wages.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/indian-pastor-who/
We had a surge of donations February and were able to put the money to good use serving an additional 10 Pak-Christian asylum-seeker families in Thailand, giving grants of money to 20 families in total.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/support-for-pak-christians-in-thailand-may-have-to-reduce-toformer-levels/
We reported about a Muslim fanatic climbed onto a church roof in Lahore and chanted Islamic verses as he tried to terrorise a local community while vandalising a large cross. In his attempt to wrench the large cross from the church he fell off the building and was nursed by the Christians who gave him water and placed him on a charpai (rope bed), to help him recover while police arrived. We gave the community assurances that we would provide
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legal support if the incident occurred again.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/muslim-man-nearly-kills/
A senior Pastor was brutally shot dead and then had his neck sliced open by six extremist assassins, whilst at home. The attack in the village of Anganpalliguda, Bhopalpatnam/Taluk, in Bijapur District, Chhattisgarh State was witnessed by his terrified daughter-in-law. After the murderers had left the property one returned some 30 seconds later to stab the Pastor in the heart just to make sure he was dead. A macabre act that illustrates the extent of hatred that can manifest towards Christians in India. We paid for all funeral costs and gave a love offering to the family who were now without their main breadwinner.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/india-brutal-killing-of-pastor-in-his-home-creates-fear-amongstchristians-of-bijapur/
We spoke directly with foreign students and discovered that at many Ukrainian border locations, white Ukrainians were being asked to join a priority queue, Asians a second priority queue and blacks a third priority queue – while fleeing the war with Russia. Black and Asian people who had fled Ukraine expressed their desire to return one day. One woman expressed on BBC how much the country has done for her. An illustration that many have less traumatic memories of their time in Ukraine. In fact many stories highlight how black and Asian citizens of Ukraine are choosing to fight for their country, even as they send their wives and children’s to former homelands for safety. It is also believed some naturalised Pakistani origin Ukrainians are choosing to fight for their new country also. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, has since acknowledged the racism that manifested towards black and Asian students
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/ethnic-minority-racism-by-shell-shocked-populace-admitted-byukrainian-officials/
British Asian Christian Association were in direct communication with two Pentecostal churches, one in Moldova and one in Ukraine. We began raising funds to support Ukrainians affected by the war with Russia. A home for refugees in Moldova was funded by a grant from us and we began a food programme and provided free bibles in Odessa, Ukraine.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/churches-in-ukraine/
Badil Masih was sodomised and murdered by his employer Mr Mohammed Ikram and a cohort, in July 2019, for daring to seek full payment for work he had carried out at a scrapyard. Though we paid for a solicitor to fight the legal battle for justice, Badil’s mother gave in to threats and forgave the murderers in court. The pain of her betrayal led to Shareefa dying from grief. Her remaining son Soojal (10 yrs) has been shunted between homes of maternal and paternal uncles and BACA attempted to place him in a boarding school. Months later we managed to start Soojal at school though his uncles wanted him to earn money by working at a barbers shop.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/brother-of-murdered/
Juliet Chowdhry and her family attended a Mother’s Day service at the church where she was originally baptised, re-enacting an ancient Christian custom. We shared details of the history of the day.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/mothering-sunday-v-mothers-day/
April 2022:
In April 2022, it was confirmed that Zafar Bhatti had a serious heart condition. We attempted to appeal for his release from his blasphemy conviction on humanitarian grounds.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/confirmed-serious-heart-condition-for-zafar-bhatti-now-weawait-court-decision/
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Achievements and performance (continued)
With our help the family of Qaiser Masih escaped a life in limbo as an illegal asylum seeker in Thailand and they began a new life in Australia. We paid towards their overstay fines and were very involved in the application for sponsored asylum in Australia. This family was directly related to the 7 people shot dead in Goya in 2009 and led to the formation of our charity.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/7-members-killed/
When a house church was attacked in India and 6 people were arrested under false anti-conversion charges. BACA stepped in to pay bail fines and for the costs of a solicitor. The charges were later dropped.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/house-church-attacked/
When 26 Christians including hospital staff and a Pastor were arrested under false force conversion charges BACA provided support. We funded a solicitor and eventually all the charges were dropped. However, Police took no action against Hindu agitators that violently attacked Christians.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/freedom-for-all-we-are-no-longer-bonded-to-sin/
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Achievements and performance (continued)
During April we also led several Easter worship services for brick kiln slaves in Kasur. Families in these regions have no church to attend and outreaches such as ours help to revive spirits of some of Pakistan's most beleaguered people. Pastor Junaid reminded visitors that their lives were redeemed through the blood of Jesus. That as such they were equal participants in the kingdom of God despite their circumstances. He appealed to Christians to stay strong in their faith as they were assured a glorious place in heaven.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/freedom-for-all-we-are-no-longer-bonded-to-sin/
Pastor Vasilev, held Easter services in Ukraine, despite the war and continued with the food programme and free Bibles that are sponsored by BACA.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/church-will-go-on-war-cannot-stop-god/
During Easter we also met with the children of Shama and Shahzad who were brutally killed for an alleged blasphemy in 2014. We shared Easter cake and shared videos from the family who were delighted to connect with our supporters.
https://britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/8245/
May 2022:
After a Christian man shot dead by Muslim gang over money dispute BACA stepped in to pay for a solicitor. Munir Masih was executed in front of his father and brother who were held at gunpoint.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/christian-man-shot-dead-by-muslim-gang/
We finally got orphaned Soojal into school after long deliberations with his uncles who were adamant he should work for his upkeep. Soojal also began work with a tutor as it was discovered he was completely illiterate as his mother had never placed him in school. Soojal was entered in school in 5 classes below his expected attainment for his age.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/boy-orphaned-after-mother-died/
Traces of blood in vomit after Zafar Bhatti was given medicine in jail caused fear for his health. BACA ensured he was given improved medicine and called for prayer for Zafar Bhatti. His health did improve after the change of medicine.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/traces-of-blood-in-vomit-after-zafar-bhatti-was-given-medicinein-jail-cause-fear-for-his-health/
Though attacks on Odessa increased Pastor Vasilev who was receiving support from BACA continued to stay and preach and deliver food aid. Though he is Russian he put his ministry before safety.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/odessa-increasingly-under-attack/
Spurgeon’s College launched a campaign to record faith groups’ contributions to the COVID effort for future generations. BACA duly shared details of our Help for the Needy project which was serving food to 65 people twice a day, every single day throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/spurgeons-college-launches-campaign-to-record-faith-groupscontributions-to-the-covid-effort-for-future-generations/
BACA began a womens’ empowerment programme, training many impoverished Christian women in vocational course in stitching, that could grow their income.
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Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
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Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 August 2022
Achievements and performance (continued)
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/pak-christian-women-train-for-empowerment-and-financialstrength/
Hannah Chowdhry a law student met with Saif-Ul-Malook Pakistan’s leading blasphemy lawyer as we attempted to instruct him to advocate for Zafar Bhatti. His costs were extremely high and negotiations stalled initially.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/baca-meet-pakistans/
June 2022:
Pastor Besra who was attacked by an assassin in India contacted us after we paid for his hospital treatment, seeking help with physiotherapy. We funded a programme of treatment.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/pastor-severely-injured/
Stephen Masih who is mentally impaired was released on bail from prison where he was serving time for an alleged blasphemy. We had been supporting his family financially as they went through the rigmarole of court hearings and had to move home for their safety.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/mentally-retarded-christian-man-released-on-bail-after-threeyears-in-prison-on-bail/
We wrote about the furore caused by the release of a film that Sunni Muslim’s found offensive, as it followed a Shia plot line for the life of one of Muhammed’s daughters. British cinema’s quickly banned the movie after threats of destruction and vandalism. Similar offense was caused by a Hindu Parliamentarian in India who referred to relationship of Muhammed with a nine-year-old wife. We sought a comment from Imam Dr Taj Hargey.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/muslim-outrage-over-british-movie-and-comments-by-indianpoliticians-leads-to-death-threats/
After a Hindu entrepreneur cut down trees in land belonging to a church for profit. BACA highlighted the story and gave a small donation towards the legal fees for the church to challenge for return of illegally sequestered land.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/church-land-in-india-hijacked-by-hindu-entrepreneur-whochopped-down-trees-for-profit-legal-ownership-dispute-continues/
When a Christian Man was hacked to death by sickles then had a hose tied around neck with which the murderers dragged him through the streets to his nearby home. The family asked us for support and we launched an appeal to support the family with the cost of a solicitor.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/christian-man-hacked-by-sickles/
At the end of June, Hannah Chowdhry, was awarded as a Community Champion at the inaugural Child of Britain Awards.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/pakistani-christian-girl-named-community-champion-atinaugural-child-of-britain-awards/
The end of June was even more special when we discovered the great progress of former illiterate orphan Soojal, in his studies.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/orphaned-brother-of-murdered-at-10-y-o-badil-masih-rip-findshis-feet-at-school/
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Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
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Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 August 2022
Achievements and performance (continued)
July 2022:
We learned about the efforts of Pastor Vasilev in Ukraine who began to hold services three times a week in order to save lost souls. He also continued with our food and bible distribution.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/pastor-holds-services-three-times-a-week-to-bring-people-togod-in-ukraine/
We shared good news about the increase in sponsored asylum for Pak-Christians stranded in Thailand. The majority of these sponsored asylums were in Australia and Canada and BACA was very involved in creating these pathways and in helping families apply. We also shared details of our latest aid distribution.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/frequency-of-sponsored-asylum-for-pak-christians-in-thailandis-increasing/
We brought smiles to the faces of the orphans of Shama and Shazad when we repainted the rooms of their house to colours they wanted. The walls had not been painted for over 10 years and needed some sprucing up. We also installed two ceiling fans to ensure that the family could keep cool in the hot summers of Pakistan.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/painting-gloom-away-from-pakistans-most-famous-orphans/
We launched an appeal for a solicitor, after a woman was raped by her employer and she and her family were then threatened with severe consequences if they did not return back to work, by a gang of thugs linked to the employer.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/christian-woman-raped/
We launched an appeal to implement a new prosthetic limb for Aleeza Masih who survived the Quetta Chrch Bomb attack in 2017. She lost her legs and bowels in the terrorist attacks but with the help of our donors has been able to lead a very normal life.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/new-prosthetic-limb/
We shared an update on the 6 Christians accused of forced conversions in India. Our appeal raised enough for their legal costs and the charges were later dismissed. The Pastor was evicted from his home however and his business collapsed.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/indian-pastor-evicted/
We followed the campaign of Nissar Hussain who we rescued from Bradford, after his conversion from Islam to Christianity led to severe death threats and a call from Police for him to flee his home. Mr Hussain spoke at one of the linked events around a government conference on Freedom of Religion. He raised the plight of converts of Islam in the UK.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/uk-government-conference/
Naomi Chowdhry (14 yrs) won a Jack Petchey Award and was gifted a tablet which is now used at our Meals for the Needy project to allow homeless people to apply for work and to restore contact with loved ones and old friends. All a part of our return of dignity aim.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/community-projects/young-volunteer-wins/
August 2022:
A Muslim family stole a Christian man’s land to force him to accept a compromise bribe for the murderer of his wife and only son. We highlighted the flaws of the Qisas and Diyat laws of Pakistan that make it possible for
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Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 August 2022
Achievements and performance (continued)
murderers and rapists to escape justice. Shabbir Masih has been receiving a regular £50 a month gift from BACA since his son and wife died.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/18563/
In August we were able to appoint Saif-ul-Malook as the solicitor for Zafar Bhatti. He began working on an appeal immediately.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/pakistans-most-successful-blasphemy-lawyer-appointed-forthe-countrys-longest-serving-blasphemy-victim-ever/
We finally installed the prosthetic limb for Aleeza Masih though huge delays were caused by concerns for safe travel during record monsoon rains.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/18594/
We shared details of the outreach programmes, the aid distribution and the climate under continuing war in Ukraine, through Pastor Vasilev.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/war-in-ukraine-rages-on-unthwarted-pastor-continues-to-sharegospel/
We shared the agony of a woman whose daughter was kidnapped and forced into Islamic by a local Muslim man who her family had a friendship with. We offered a solicitor to help fight for the return of 15 year old Muqadas.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/christian-mum-cries/
When record floods killed over 1000 people, destroyed over 100,000 homes and left people destitute, starving and prone to waterborne Illnesses, we began a food aid programme, medical camps and gifted tents and mosquito nets.
https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/18650/ https://www.britishasianchristians.org/baca-news/baca-flood-relief-programme/ https://www.britishasianchristians.org/category/baca-news/page/7/
This list is no way exclusive and we took part in many other persecution support programmes and several local Redbridge community events on knife crime. Our website includes details of these.
Our Plans at the end of 2021/2022 revolve a lot around focusing our efforts on Pakistan and Thailand again, though we hope to restart our work in India soon. In the UK we will be focusing on our foodbank and meals for the homeless provision. Our donations have reduced during the difficult economic climate we are in, however, we will try to enlarge our donor base this year through more social media advertising and press releases. We are proving to be the most successful advocacy group for Pakistani Christians and our humanitarian effort is is becoming more streamlined meaning we are making the most of our donations. We put this down to our 13 years’ experience in the field.
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Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 August 2022
Achievements and performance (continued)
b. Key performance indicators
Our key performance indicators are as follows:
To increase our annual donations by at least 10% by August 2022.
To increase the number of direct donors to BPCA by 10% by August 2022.
To see a minimum of 85% donor retention rate by August 2022.
c. Investment policy and performance
No formal investment policy has yet been set in place by the Trustees. This will be formulated once the charity is established and can budget its income and expenditure.
Financial review
a. Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited) is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up by a Memorandum of Association.
The principle object of the charity is to build a network of Pakistani Christians focused on a better quality of life, fellowship and religious freedom for Christians in Pakistan and the UK.
b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Memorandum of Association.
Our method and appointment of trustees has always been to recruit from within our UK volunteers. The main criteria being that volunteers have volunteered for at least 5 hours per week for a minimum of one year.
Members' liability
The Members of the charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up.
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Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 August 2022
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees (who are also the directors of the charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on 18 May 2023 and signed on their behalf by:
Joel Kyari (Chair of Trustees)
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Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Independent examiner's report
for the year ended 31 August 2022
Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited) ('the charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2022.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the charity (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
This report is made solely to the charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: Dated: 18 May 2023 Peter Hudson BA FCA
Kreston Reeves LLP
Chartered Accountants 2nd Floor 168 Shoreditch High Street London E1 6RA
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Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Statement of financial activities (incorporating income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 August 2022
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Investments Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Donation of land in Pakistan 6 Total expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2022 £ 90,956 604 - 91,560 524 96,234 - 96,758 (5,198) 105 (5,198) (5,093) |
Total funds 2022 £ 90,956 604 - 91,560 524 96,234 - 96,758 (5,198) 105 (5,198) (5,093) |
Total funds 2021 £ 91,543 1,094 16 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 92,653 50 112,149 27,518 |
|||
| 139,717 (47,064) 47,169 (47,064) |
|||
| 105 |
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 23 to 35 form part of these financial statements.
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Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited) (A company limited by guarantee) Registered number: 08732752
Balance sheet as at 31 August 2022
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 11 Current assets Debtors 12 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 Net current liabilities Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 14 Unrestricted funds 14 Total funds |
381 111 492 (6,735) |
2022 £ 1,150 1,150 (6,243) (5,093) - (5,093) (5,093) |
1,629 2,713 4,342 (5,764) |
2021 £ 1,527 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,527 (1,422) |
||||
| 105 - 105 |
||||
| 105 |
The charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 18 May 2023 and signed on their behalf by:
Joel Kyari
Dorah Mayah
(Chair of Trustees)
The notes on pages 23 to 35 form part of these financial statements.
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Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2022
1. General information
The charity is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the company are the Trustees named on page 1. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited) meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
2.2 Going concern
The Trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern. The Trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of at least one year from the date of authorisation for issue of the financial statements and have concluded that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, however there are material uncertainties about the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
2.3 Income
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Grants are included in the Statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.
Gifts in kind donated for distribution are included at valuation and recognised as income when they are distributed to the projects. Gifts donated for resale are included as income when they are sold.
Where the donated good is a fixed asset, it is measured at fair value, unless it is impractical to measure this reliably, in which case the cost of the item to the donor should be used. The gain is recognised as income from donations and a corresponding amount is included in the appropriate fixed asset class and depreciated over the useful economic life in accordance with the charity's accounting policies.
On receipt, donated professional services and facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount it would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Page 23
Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2022
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.4 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
2.5 Government grants
Government grants relating to tangible fixed assets are treated as deferred income and released to the Statement of financial activities over the expected useful lives of the assets concerned. Other grants are credited to the Statement of financial activities as the related expenditure is incurred.
2.6 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
2.7 Taxation
The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
2.8 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets costing £500 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
Page 24
Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2022
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.8 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation (continued)
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, .
Depreciation is provided on the following bases:
Motor vehicles - 25% on a straight line basis - Office equipment 25% on a straight line basis
2.9 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
2.10 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
2.11 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.
2.12 Pensions
2.13 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Page 25
Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2022
3. Income from donations and legacies
| Donations Donations Government grants Total 2021 |
Restricted funds 2022 £ - Restricted funds 2021 £ 1,852 - 1,852 |
Unrestricted funds 2022 £ 90,956 Unrestricted funds 2021 £ 85,201 4,490 89,691 |
Total funds 2022 £ 90,956 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2021 £ 87,053 4,490 |
|||
| 91,543 |
4. Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted funds 2022 £ Sale of services 604 Unrestricted funds 2021 £ Sale of services 1,094 |
Total funds 2022 £ 604 |
|---|---|
| Total funds 2021 £ 1,094 |
5. Analysis of grants
| General charitable support Designated charitable support Total 2022 |
Direct costs 2022 £ 31,732 16,286 48,018 |
Total funds 2022 £ 31,732 16,286 |
|---|---|---|
| 48,018 |
Page 26
Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2022
5. Analysis of grants (continued)
| Total | ||
|---|---|---|
| Direct costs | funds | |
| 2021 | 2021 | |
| £ | £ | |
| General charitable support | 36,267 | 36,267 |
6. Other expenditure
| Total | ||
|---|---|---|
| funds | ||
| 2022 | ||
| £ | ||
| Restricted | Total | |
| funds | funds | |
| 2021 | 2021 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donation of land in Pakistan | 27,518 | 27,518 |
7. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| General charitable support Designated charitable support Support costs Meals for homeless people |
Activities undertaken directly 2022 £ - - - 10,804 10,804 |
Direct costs 2022 £ 31,732 16,286 - - 48,018 |
Support costs 2022 £ - - 37,412 - 37,412 |
Total funds 2022 £ 31,732 16,286 37,412 10,804 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96,234 |
Page 27
Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2022
7. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
| General charitable support Support costs Meals for homeless people |
Activities undertaken directly 2021 £ - - 13,484 13,484 |
Direct costs 2021 £ 36,267 - - 36,267 |
Support costs 2021 £ - 62,398 - 62,398 |
Total funds 2021 £ 36,267 62,398 13,484 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 112,149 |
Analysis of support costs
| Staff costs Depreciation Grants to institutions Entertainment Sundry expenses Insurance Printing, postage and stationery Advertising and marketing Telephone Travelling expenses Bank charges Computer costs Accountancy fees Legal & Professional |
Support costs 2022 £ 12,724 377 7,926 97 1,410 1,365 787 2,512 1,529 9,180 211 3,695 5,322 (9,723) 37,412 |
Total funds 2022 £ 12,724 377 7,926 97 1,410 1,365 787 2,512 1,529 9,180 211 3,695 5,322 (9,723) |
|---|---|---|
| 37,412 |
Page 28
Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2022
7. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of support costs (continued)
| Staff costs Depreciation Grants to institutions Sundry expenses Insurance Repairs and maintenance Printing, postage and stationery Telephone Travelling expenses Consultancy fees Bank charges Computer costs Accountancy fees Legal & Professional 8. Independent examiner's remuneration Fees payable to the charity's independent examiner for the independent examination of the charity's annual accounts 9. Staff costs Wages and salaries Social security costs Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes |
Support costs 2021 £ 12,574 4,967 3,702 2,198 6,725 3,935 2,326 2,742 6,481 513 106 3,811 5,464 6,854 62,398 2022 £ 2,300 2022 £ 12,000 436 288 12,724 |
Total funds 2021 £ 12,574 4,967 3,702 2,198 6,725 3,935 2,326 2,742 6,481 513 106 3,811 5,464 6,854 |
|---|---|---|
| 62,398 | ||
| 2021 £ 2,000 |
||
| 2021 £ 12,000 440 134 |
||
| 12,574 |
Page 29
Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2022
9. Staff costs (continued)
The average number of persons employed by the charity during the year was as follows:
| 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of employees | 1 | 1 |
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.
10. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, one or more Trustees has been paid remuneration or has received other benefits from an employment with the charity. This is permitted by the Charity's constitution and the Charity Commission have been informed. This was done in order to assist the charity in its day to day operations. The value of Trustees' remuneration and other benefits was as follows:
| 2022 | 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Dorah Mayah | Remuneration | 12,000 | 12,000 |
During the year ended 31 August 2022, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2021 - £NIL).
11. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost or valuation At 1 September 2021 At 31 August 2022 Depreciation At 1 September 2021 Charge for the year At 31 August 2022 Net book value At 31 August 2022 At 31 August 2021 |
Motor vehicles £ 1,250 1,250 339 313 652 598 911 |
Office equipment £ 645 645 29 64 93 552 616 |
Total £ 1,895 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,895 | |||
| 368 377 |
|||
| 745 | |||
| 1,150 1,527 |
Page 30
Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2022
12. Debtors
| 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Due within one year | ||
| Other debtors | 381 | 1,468 |
| Prepayments and accrued income | - | 161 |
13. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Trade creditors Other taxation and social security Pension fund Net wages payable Accruals and deferred income |
2022 £ 3,430 - 5 - 3,300 6,735 |
2021 £ 1,408 61 43 952 3,300 |
|---|---|---|
| 5,764 |
Page 31
Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2022
14. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
| Balance at | 1 | Balance at | Balance at | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | Transfers | 31 August | ||||||
| 2021 | Income | Expenditure | in/out | 2022 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||||||
| Designated funds | ||||||||
| Assistance with legal costs | - | 9,772 | (9,772) | - | - | |||
| Assistance with education | - | 977 | (977) | - | - | |||
| Humanitarian aid | - | 5,537 | (5,537) | - | - | |||
| - | 16,286 | (16,286) | - | - | ||||
| General funds | ||||||||
| General fund | 105 | 75,274 | (80,472) | - | (5,093) | |||
| Total Unrestricted funds | 105 | 91,560 | (96,758) | - | (5,093) | |||
| Restricted funds | ||||||||
| Pakistan land and buildings | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Educational grants | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||||
| Total of funds | 105 | 91,560 | (96,758) | - | (5,093) | |||
| Statement of funds - prior | year | |||||||
| Balance at | Balance | at | ||||||
| 1 September | Transfers | 31 August | ||||||
| 2020 | Income | Expenditure | in/out | 2021 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||||||
| Designated funds | ||||||||
| Assistance with legal costs | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Assistance with education | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Humanitarian aid | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||||
| General funds | ||||||||
| General fund | 30,027 | 90,801 | (110,619) | (10,104) | 105 |
Page 32
Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2022
14. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - prior year (continued)
| Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Pakistan land and buildings Educational grants Total of funds |
Balance at 1 September 2020 £ 30,027 17,142 - 17,142 47,169 |
Income £ 90,801 - 1,852 1,852 92,653 |
Expenditure £ (110,619) (27,518) (1,580) (29,098) (139,717) |
Transfers in/out £ (10,104) 10,376 (272) 10,104 - |
Balance at 31 August 2021 £ 105 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - - |
|||||
| - | |||||
| 105 |
Page 33
Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2022
15. Summary of funds
Summary of funds - current year
| Designated funds General funds |
Balance at 1 September 2020 £ 30,027 17,142 47,169 |
Balance at 1 September 2021 £ - 105 105 Income £ 90,801 1,852 92,653 |
Income £ 16,286 75,274 91,560 Expenditure £ (110,619) (29,098) (139,717) |
Expenditure £ (16,286) (80,472) (96,758) Transfers in/out £ (10,104) 10,104 - |
Balance at 31 August 2022 £ - (5,093) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (5,093) Balance at 31 August 2021 £ 105 - |
|||||
| Summary of funds - prior year | |||||
| General funds Restricted funds |
|||||
| 105 |
16. Designated funds
Assistance with legal costs
These funds are raised and used to provide assistance to individuals who have been accused of blasphemy or have been violently attacked or families who have lost a member of the family to a violent attack.
Assistance with education
These funds are raised and used to provide assistance with education for school aged children who would otherwise not be able to attend school due to one or more of their parents either having died or been imprisoned unjustly.
Humanitarian aid
These funds are raised to assist in providing meals to the homeless and assisting those impacted by natural and other kinds of disaster.
Page 34
Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited)
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2022
17. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2022 £ 1,150 492 (6,735) (5,093) |
Total funds 2022 £ 1,150 492 (6,735) |
|---|---|---|
| (5,093) |
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2021 £ 1,527 4,342 (5,764) 105 |
Total funds 2021 £ 1,527 4,342 (5,764) |
|---|---|---|
| 105 |
18. Pension commitments
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amounted to £288 (2021 - £134), £5 (2021 - £43) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.
19. Related party transactions
The Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited) has not entered into any related party transaction during the year, nor are there any outstanding balances owing between related parties and the Help for Persecuted Christians (formerly British Pakistani Christians Limited) at 31 August 2022.
Page 35