Bangladesh (MNN) — Kids don’t immediately come to mind when you think about believers being persecuted for their faith. But Pastor William says when a Muslim comes to Christ in Bangladesh, it affects the whole family.
“From their childhood, they are experiencing the persecution. They cannot go to the school because now they are Christian,” Pastor William says.
“They don’t have any friends. They don’t have anyone to share [what] they are going through.”
Bullying is not exclusive to the Western hemisphere.
“Names are very important (in Bangladesh). A young kid[’s] name is Mohammed, and everyone [in the Muslim community ridicules him] saying, ‘you’re using Mohammed, but you’re a Christian. How funny is that?’” Pastor William describes as one example.
Capacity to change
(Photo courtesy of Tarikul Raana/Unsplash)
Believers in Bangladesh partner with FARMS International to operate a microcredit program. A new partnership began in early 2021. Interest-free loans help believers work out of poverty and support the local church by tithing.
The increased support allows churches to start new programs, like a Christian school. “If you live in a society [where] you don’t have respect from other people, believers’ kids will not get a good mental health in the long run. They will always be depressed,” Pastor William explains.
“We started a school so that they can know Jesus.”
Believers also hope to spark change through the school. By allowing Muslim children from the community to attend, “they (Christian and Muslim students) can grow together,” Pastor Williams says.
“They (students) are sharing their prayers; they are sharing their emotions with the teacher. At the same time, they (teachers) are sharing the Gospel.”
Learn more about FARMS’ work in Bangladesh here.
Header image is a representative photo courtesy of mohammad samir/Unsplash.
