Island Story in Bangladesh

There was a time when the mighty rivers of Bangladesh and their many tributaries dominated life in Bangladesh. Now lots of bridges holding up the roads prevent you from noticing the rivers flowing beneath: until the rivers re-assert themselves! Saline water from the tidal rivers floods the fields and houses, making planting and dwelling impossible. For the villagers, the rivers greatly impact their lives.

One island of 500,000 people, in the south, is only accessible by a twelve hour ride on a launch.

Last year, ten of our team members took a week out from their usual work, and, loaded down with a selection of Godly literature, took the overnight launch ride. They came back, worn-out but also almost sold-out, having spent their days in the village markets selling books, giving out literature and talking with people. The difference it made to people’s lives can only be known by the God who calls them.

This January, our team went down south again for a week to bring God’s Word to the hundreds of thousands of thirsty people who live in that area. For many, this offered them the first opportunity in their lives to hear of His love and forgiveness. Travelling mainly by local boat and rickshaw, the team went where few have gone before with the Good News.

“As I look around the vast village market that is spread over fields there is no mistaking that I am in Bangladesh. Hundreds, possibly thousands, mill around the make-shift stalls to buy their bulk shopping for the week; a mass of humanity that, once their shopping is done, will meander home along the dusty paths that border the lush green rice fields. 

"It is just a normal day in rural Bangladesh. But today there is a difference for along side the many vendors selling everything from rice and vegetables, to clay pots and plastic toilet brushes some men are sitting reading books they have never held before.

We were able to sell over 2,000 books to the villagers and have many conversations about the God who cares for them.  This is a wonderful opportunity to serve them, by bringing them His word to take home with them; we hope that He will penetrate hearts and change lives. Although we experienced some opposition, God kept us safe and helped us; a very encouraging time for some team members who had never before been on outreach.”

OM’s role in the Church is to mobilise people to share the knowledge of Jesus and His love with every generation in every nation. OM pioneers and leads initiatives to redeem lives, rebuild communities and restore hope in over 110 countries.