I like living in America. Life is pretty easy and comfortable here. I’ve grown accustomed to conditions, which much of the rest of the world would consider “luxury.”
My heart and my mind have become lazy and insensitive. Millions around the globe live in poverty. In places where violence and empty bellies are the norm. In spiritual darkness where the name of Christ is ridiculed or simply not known.
But after all, what can one person do? The need seems overwhelming.
I don’t know of anything I can do, but I know Someone who can do everything.
Back in June, I was asked to go on a short-term mission trip to Bangladesh. After a few weeks of prayer and some really obvious direction from God, I committed to the trip.
But almost immediately I began having second thoughts. It’s not safe. It’s almost entirely Muslim. The conditions will be difficult. What in the world could I even do to help?
I’m going to be really honest with you. I think the biggest reason for my second thoughts is my dependence on my comfort. This materially abundant life has made me physically soft and spiritually calloused.
While these thoughts still plague me, I keep going back to the certainty that God told me to go to this place at this time. And I want to share just a bit with you.
Bangladesh is one of the poorest and most densely populated countries in the world. About the size of Greece, it has 14 times the population. This Asian country sits on the Bay of Bengal, completely surrounded by India.
It’s a land of spiritual darkness. Bangladesh is 90% Muslim and 9% Hindu. Buddhists, Christians, and others make up the remaining 1%. In Bangladesh, about 400 women and children fall into the hands of human traffickers every.
Our team will be working with missionaries who operate centers for girls. They describe their ministry as “pre-trafficking” because in addition to telling them about Jesus, they work to educate them and teach them life skills that will help them provide for themselves. (If you’d like to see more about the need in Bangladesh and how you might could help, check out this page. The video below will help you understand the need.)
Every 160 million souls in Bangladesh desperately need Jesus. When Jesus stood on that mountain in Galilee 2,000 years ago, He saw these people. He knew their need when He told us to “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Jesus longs for all people to know Him. He wants all to find salvation in Him. So He sends someone to tell them.
And so we go. To our neighbors and coworkers. To inner city America and to the African bush. And to Bangladesh.
What keeps you from going?
Wow, Kathy, incredible! Good for you. I can understand your second thoughts. Thank you for sharing this. I pinned your post to my Bangladesh Pinterest board. I have a badly neglected missions blog for the countries in the 10/40 window, Bangladesh is one of them. I hope God uses this to stir me up my awareness of the vast needs of people in that part of the world. I loved hearing the 9 year old recount the stories of Jesus which she learned. Precious! I know God will bless you and those to whom you minister while you are there. You will not be the same when you return! ~Joyce (who has yet to go on a missions trip)
Hi Joyce! Thank you for sharing the post. It’s exciting to hear about your passion for the 10/40 window. Members of our team will be going back to Bangladesh. You should consider going!
Wow! Its interesting that you been in america have heart for People living just my neighboring country Bangladesh thats incredible, I hope and pray that God will surely help you and provide all your needs and give you courage to share boldly. May God bless you will remember you in prayers.
Thank you! May God bless you and give you boldness as you live for Him!