I recently went to Bangladesh with a small team from my church, Kingsland Baptist Church, where I serve on the Adult Discipleship team as pastor to college and singles. A significant part of our trip was meeting with about 30 national evangelist and missionaries to encourage and train them. We walked section-by-section through the gospel of Luke. Afterwards we gave them resources and challenged them to share and train others through the gospel of Luke as well (to read more about this trip see our missions blog).
In the first three weeks I have received reports that they have shared with over 100 people, individually and through small groups. However, this effort has not been without persecution. Here is the latest report I just received from our national missionary there (5.9.11). The English is a little broken but you should be able to follow his message.
This group has been lead by Zia’s people (a pastor who attended our training). As I understood that, it was inspired through what you taught because this happening after your training. So that, we realized that, it is an affection of Luke teaching!
I went south of Bangladesh to see my parents, and some other friends. A critical thing has happened to south part of Bangladesh with one of our evangelist. He wasn’t attended our (your) Luke seminar (but was trained by a pastor who did, Zia), he is very close friend of my brother (Joe). Bad people caught him, as he was witness to the village. They insulted him a lot and he was beaten up a lot. They (terrorists) shaved his head and hanged shoes on his neck. Those kinds treating is really bad. He is in the right hospital right now, in town, with Joe (my bro).
Thanks for all kinds of supports and prayers.
These men are truly living for the Great Commission and God is doing a significant work in a dark place where most people are Muslims. Will you join with me in praying for our brothers and sisters living as evangelist and missionaries in their home country of Bangladesh? They are under much persecution but God is advancing His glory, rule, and presence in that country.
To see a short video of your trip click this link: Bangladesh 2011
UPDATE, 5.10.11:
Received this email from our national missionary.
Update of the man who has been persecuted – he is at my brother’s home, at divisional town. released from the hospital. Emotionally he is not OK, as he was insulted badly. his other relatives are still in trouble. they are in the village. Fundamentalist people told the villagers, ‘no one else associate with them’. so that, they could not work, and make living stuffs for them selves!
