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Formerly
East Pakistan, Bangladesh gained its independence in 1971 after
a bitter civil war and defeat of Pakistan by Indian and Bangladeshi
forces. Today, the combined problems of explosive population growth,
natural catastrophes, and a declining economy have reduced this
largely Muslim nation to one of the poorest in the world. It is
the most densely populated agricultural nation on earth, and is
frequently devastated by floods and cyclones. More than half of
the people are illiterate and under-nourished, and at least half
are underemployed. Although Bangladeshis are rightfully proud of
their tradition of religious tolerance, some segments of society
are promoting a more radical interpretation of Islam that deprives
Christian believers of access to community wells and government
relief programs, and works to undermine their livelihood. The Bible Society
has published simple-language Bibles for people from both Hindu
and Muslim backgrounds. The church in Bangladesh is tiny compared
to the millions of unreached people in the country. Unfortunately,
believers find it difficult to form into churches, especially in
rural areas, and the "cares of this world" often take
precedence over spiritual growth. SIM is seeking to lay a foundation
for developing national leaders who are able to take the gospel
to their own people. SIM has a history
of over forty years of involvement in Bangladesh, pioneered by ICF.
Opportunities for visas exist in the fields of business, TESL, education,
and community development. SIM workers are involved in Bible correspondence
courses, appropriate technology projects, leadership training, vocational
training, community development, and community medical work. Bengali
media attract about 400 responses monthly. The Jesus film in Bengali,
revised in 2000 to communicate better to a Muslim audience, is widely
shown and was broadcast on national TV on Easter 2001. The necessary
elements seem to be in place for explosive church growth in Bangladesh:
translated Scriptures, correspondence courses, winsome media materials,
growing numbers of believers, maturing leaders, and official religious
tolerance. Please pray
for:
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