Bangladesh (MNN) — [Editor’s Note: This is Part 2 of the story “Christmas for the ‘Beholders of Power.” Keep on reading because this is where the Christmas part comes in.]
(Photo courtesy FMI)
Allen says their destination was so remote that it took two days by van through the hill tract, then travel by motorcycle, in handmade boats, and a couple more days of hiking just to reach the village. Along the way, he says, “I was reminded of a prophecy that we often associate with Christmastime out of the book of Isaiah where Isaiah is giving the pronouncement, ‘Unto us a child will be born, and He’s going to be Mighty God, everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace!’ But it starts out with (paraphrased), ‘The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; and He’s enlarged the nation, increased their joy, and then rejoiced before you as people rejoice at the harvest.'”
Why bother with the trouble of seeing it in person? “I was thinking about that passage as I was taking a trek deep into the remote hills of Bangladesh, people who have been walking in darkness for a long time, and how they have embraced light and are now radiating the light of Christ to other villages around them.”
(Photo courtesy FMI)
Remember the Sanskrit name: Beholders of power. “For unto us, a child is born…” in context means Jesus Christ brings both power and change. Roughly five years ago, a village was transformed. Allen was there to see what has since happened. “There was an individual named *Prashad. He heard the Gospel, (he’s) part of the Chakma tribe. He shared the Gospel with his friend Arjun. Now, *Arjun places his faith in Jesus Christ, and while Prashad goes on to share with others who will listen in the tribe, Arjun enrolls in an FMI-sponsored theology course, or series of courses. He learns core principles about evangelism and discipleship, and then in 2012, he becomes a pioneering church planter, back in his tribal village.”
Arjun’s congregation has grown to 40 members now. They’re still living up to their namesake as the beholders of power, but in this case, the heavens rejoice because the Message is unchanged. “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”
*For security purposes, names of individuals mentioned within the FMI story are changed.
