This is one of the poorest countries in the world with a population of about 160 mil. Over one-third of the population are living below the poverty line. It is predominantly a Muslim country with 10% Hindus. The first church was established in the capital city, Dhaka, in December 2009. There are currently 6 churches (Dhaka, Bingonj, Pirgonj, Bochagonj, Bandarban and Sadullapara) with a total of about 220 saints.
We arrived late on April 19 and went to attend a home meeting on the next day in Savar, about 2 hours outside of Dhaka (capital city). There we met with about 15 saints who had recently come out of Christianity. They were seeking and eager to take the way of the Lord’s recovery. We had a good time of fellowship. Although some faced persecution from their friends and neighbors, they were firm in coming out and meet on the ground of oneness. We look to the Lord that in the near future, there could be a new lampstand raised up in that place.
From April 21-23, we had a three-day serving brothers training. Chak and I shared from the new believers series on topics such as the economy of God, the Triune God, the person and work of Christ, the church and the mingled Spirit. Around 35 brothers representing all 6 localities came. We had much prayer, fellowship and blending. Around one-third of the brothers shared after each message. After the message on consecration, 29 of them came forward and consecrated themselves to the Lord. There were some who were leaders in denominations while others were new believers. By the last day, 10 brothers decided to get baptized. It was a joyful time to see these brothers call, pray and be transferred into the kingdom of God.
There are presently 6 brothers serving full-time and another is half time as he is finishing his Masters degree. Other than Boaz Park from Korea, the rest of the full-timers are all local brothers. They do not have any ministry books translated into the national language which is Bangla (or Bengali). Only a few hymns are available in this language. So we enjoyed Hymns #1191 and #1048 over and over again during the training. They are hoping that a few brothers can pick up the burden for the translation work. It is interesting that William Carey translated the New Testament from English to Bangla in 1801 which they are still using today.
Chak and I attended two bread breaking meetings today. One was with the serving brothers in the morning. We shared about the meaning of the bread breaking meeting as well as fellowship regarding His move in Bangladesh. We attended a second Lord’s Table meeting in the evening which was held at a sisters house. Since some of the saints were away, there were only 10 of us. When we arrived the whole neighborhood was pitch black as it is not unusual to have black-outs in Bangladesh. So we praised, prayed, sang and spoke in the dark with a small 15 watt flashlight. It was good that I could use my IPhone in the dark and see the hymns and verses. Although the environment was dark and humid, we enjoyed the Lord’s sweet presence. We were all supplied and encouraged at the end of the meeting. We believe the Lord was also satisfied.
As the brothers began to go back to their respective localities today, we pray that the Lord will strengthen the one accord and purify His testimony in this country. May the Lord’s move in gospelizing, truthizing and churchizing Bangladesh be unhindered for the building up of the Body of Christ.
Clement
