A new magazine for Christian children called “Baily” has been launched by the Lahore-based organization Hope for Light in Pakistan.
Designed to cater to young readers, the bilingual magazine features content in both Urdu and English, including biblical stories, fiction, poetry, and other engaging materials.
The publication aims to provide a cultural touchstone and an open platform for young Christians to share their creative work, according to a report by AsiaNews.
The idea for “Baily” originated in 1997 in Khanewal district but was never realized until now. According to Ataurehman Saman, the magazine’s director, the vision persisted through the years and has been adapted to meet the needs of today’s students.
“We are currently distributing it for free to raise awareness. We will encourage schools to distribute this magazine,” Saman said, noting that the initiative seeks to involve educational institutions to reach a wider audience.
“If we get support, we will increase the numbers; we dream of creating a group of editors and we are providing them with pages,” he added.
The magazine’s design includes four-color printing on quality paper, making it visually appealing to its target audience.
The cover features joyful images of Pakistani children of various ages, while the back cover showcases messages from Bishop Humphrey Peters of Peshawar and Qaiser Ifraheem Saroya, former Punjab Assembly member and vice president of Peace and Care Council International.
Javed David, chairman of Hope for Light, said that the magazine is planned to be a regular publication, with the next issue set for December 2024.
“Our aim is to distribute Baily in educational institutions to reach a wide audience of young readers,” David said.
Bishop Humphrey Peters, in his message, emphasized the need for quality Christian literature for children in Pakistan.
“I heartily congratulate Hope for Light for starting Baily magazine for Christian children,” he said. “There has been a long-standing need for good literature for children. I appeal to all Sunday schools of all Christian denominations to provide access to Baily.”
He encouraged parents to support their children in reading the magazine, saying, “Through Baily, we can share different Bible teachings in both poetry and prose, to increase the interest of children.”