The reason we went to Bangladesh was to speak for a couples conference sponsored by Isai Fellowship Bangladesh. IFB is an organization that exists to encourage and assist fellowships of Muslim background believers (Mbbs). I taught in the women's track and my colleague Michelle trained the childcare workers. I will tell you about Michelle tomorrow..
For me this trip was totally different from last year's Bangladesh trip. Last year we worked mostly with women from Christian backgrounds. In Bangladesh they are referred to as "traditional Christians". Most were living in cities and were were somewhat educated. I was able to teach in a style similar to our Partners in Ministry program at IGSL. It was not too difficult.
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As I learned more about the Mbb women attending this IFB conference, I found out that the situation here was totally different. The majority of the women are illiterate, most don't have bibles, and many of them are very young believers. So . . . I threw all my lesson plans out the window! As I prayed and thought about what to do, I felt I should simplify the lessons and focus on memorizing the related scripture passages. I taught one lesson on God's love for us, one on showing God's love to our kids, one on forgiveness, and one on discipling other women. It's hard to grow without God's Word, so I thought the best thing I could do is send them home with God's Word in their hearts. We had a great time together!
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The thing that touched my heart the most was that after each session, a few women would come and ask my translator to help them talk to me. They would tell me their stories and ask me to pray for them. I had been told the first day by the IFB director about a family that had been experiencing heavy persecution in their village after they became believers last year. The villagers would not let them use the well, and a few times they were stoned. But they believe God wants them to stay there and try to be a light in that community. The mother's heart aches to see her children endure the abusive language and insults hurled at them every day. I had already heard their story and had been praying for them. After my first message, this mother approached me and shared her story, and as I prayed for her, she put her head on my shoulder and sobbed. In God's eyes. . . maybe hugging her was the most significant thing I did all week.
Our week in Bangladesh was wonderful. Highlights included