Bangladesh (MNN) — Now that Korbani
Eid is over, Christmas is coming. Because traditions are especially strong in
Bangladesh, Christmas is recognized as a national holiday. And it's a time when TV
stations feature programs that make everyone aware that it's about the birth of
Jesus.
Since the Christian holiday comes
on the heels of a Muslim holiday, there are often many questions asked about
what each celebration is about.
Sometimes, celebrating the birth
of Christ looks like bringing food to help poor village-based believers who
want to remember the birth of Jesus and celebrate together. Operation Mobilization will help some by
providing the meat for a joint meal while families provide the rice and the
cooking oil, so all can celebrate together.
It's good news for OM the team there.
They've been seeing a substantial number of Bangladeshis come to faith
over the last eight years.
Small groups of local believers are
sharing with their friends and close relatives what they've learned in training
workshops, including sharing God's Word, culturally-based worship, how a family
can meet to worship, and how to include other families in the areas in that
group.
These small groups need wisdom in
the issues they seek to address in their efforts to be an authentic, culturally
relevant, God-loving community.
Although the vast majority of
these new believers are men, an increasing number of wives and daughters have
also put their trust in Jesus.
Pray that children of believing
men will be brought up in the Word of God, and that more women will be reached and
taught through God's Word to become strong followers of Christ.
Even with the growth, Bangladesh
has had its share of problems, too. The
country ranks 45th on the Open Doors World Watch list of
countries known for their persecution of Christians. Please pray for the protection and continued
boldness of Bangladeshi believers.
