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Bangladesh ministry teams see the changing face of mission

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, reports MNN.

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.

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TAGS: Bangladesh ministry teams Christmas Operation Mobilization Open Doors World Watch list

[12/11/2010]

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