Well I graduated from my (dts) Ywam discipleship program on Friday and today is my first day back in the tin shed with Shompa!
I know now why God directed me to the DTS program and I thought I'd share :) one was to meet and build relationships with other believers who are also passionate about expanding Gods Kingdom in Bangladesh. I met some amazing people who have given everything in obedience to the call has placed on their hearts.
I visited one family a few weeks ago who God had called out of their comfort zone of their family and home village to an unknown area for them in order to reach Bhuddist and Hindu people. They met us outside their home with the biggest brightest smiles of joy I had seen in a long time, and they warmly invited us in for tea, bananas and samutcha's (triangle fried treats).
When we entered their house I was caught off guard by the severe empty-ness. They had nothing. One tin shed with nothing but a shelf of a few belongings in the corner and a straw mat on the floor they used for sleeping and eating on. No fan, no water filter, no blankets, just blank. I wiped a few tears away while the couple wasn't looking as I imagined them and their 5 year old son all squeezing on this thin straw mat to sleep. Whenever the electricity goes out at night I usually get so hot from the fan being off, and agitated by mosquitoes that I can't sleep until it comes on again. I can't imagine never having a fan. The joy in these servants of the Lord was overwhelming, inspiring and convicting. And this is only one of the families who I am now connected with thanks to Ywam! I am now connected with believers all over bangladesh that I dont know how I would have met by myself.
I visited one family a few weeks ago who God had called out of their comfort zone of their family and home village to an unknown area for them in order to reach Bhuddist and Hindu people. They met us outside their home with the biggest brightest smiles of joy I had seen in a long time, and they warmly invited us in for tea, bananas and samutcha's (triangle fried treats).
When we entered their house I was caught off guard by the severe empty-ness. They had nothing. One tin shed with nothing but a shelf of a few belongings in the corner and a straw mat on the floor they used for sleeping and eating on. No fan, no water filter, no blankets, just blank. I wiped a few tears away while the couple wasn't looking as I imagined them and their 5 year old son all squeezing on this thin straw mat to sleep. Whenever the electricity goes out at night I usually get so hot from the fan being off, and agitated by mosquitoes that I can't sleep until it comes on again. I can't imagine never having a fan. The joy in these servants of the Lord was overwhelming, inspiring and convicting. And this is only one of the families who I am now connected with thanks to Ywam! I am now connected with believers all over bangladesh that I dont know how I would have met by myself.
Besides my new connections, God answered another question of mine which was the "why". God, why did you bring me here? I knew He wanted me to shine His light and be an example of Jesus to people who had none, but I didn't really have a clear vision. During the last 6 months, I have gotten to soak in the prescence of God and connect with his heart. He used the people that I met and a few specific experiences to direct me. When I came to Bangladesh I had in mind that I would be doing straight on evangelism. But now I know that Gods plan for me in Bangladesh is discipling people who are already Christians to go out and reach their own people with the Good news.
Even though Bangladesh is less than one percent Christians, in a country of over 157 million people, less than one percent is still a nice size.
I know that Gods heart for me is to inspire/ encourage/teach/mentor this group of people to go out and reach the unreached in Bangladesh! I am exited by this new step God has allowed me to see! I dont know exactly what method God will use me to disciple but i know that i will. I still do not know how long God wants me here, but i know that revival is coming in Bangladesh and I want to be here when it does!
I know that Gods heart for me is to inspire/ encourage/teach/mentor this group of people to go out and reach the unreached in Bangladesh! I am exited by this new step God has allowed me to see! I dont know exactly what method God will use me to disciple but i know that i will. I still do not know how long God wants me here, but i know that revival is coming in Bangladesh and I want to be here when it does!
