Bangladesh

Our three-week visit to Asia couldn't have been more timely and significant in making connections with nationals and M's.

Bangladesh was an indescribable experience. The size of the state of Iowa, Bangladesh packs in 161 million people. That's half of the U.S. population in one state! Add in three major rivers, including hundreds of tributaries that flow through this small country, and you can see why it is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

But, in the midst of this context is a group of believers who have been establishing churches for the past seven years. It's a long story of a dream followed by pain, suffering, and death. John Bose, the eldest of five children, followed in his father's footsteps by becoming a pastor in sharing the Gospel with the people of Bangladesh. Through his seminary training, he sensed an alignment with the Wesleyan doctrine and theology. He had a longing to be a part of the Wesleyan Church.

Two years ago, before the longing could become a reality, John, and his wife, Rita, were lost in a tragic car accident, leaving behind their four-year-old son, Joshua. To many, it appeared that the dream had faded and the work would be lost. God was not finished with the vision. Joshe, John's youngest brother, felt God's prompting to take up John's mantle in building the church in Bangladesh, and pursuing membership with The Wesleyan Church.

The dream came true on October 13, 2012. What a joy it was to participate in the official inauguration of The Wesleyan Church of Bangladesh, as well as the ordination of two of the pastors.

Joshe gives incredible leadership to the 7 pastors and 19 evangelists, many hoping to pursue studies toward ordination.

Below are pictures of our journey from the capital city of Dhaka. The country is divided up into seven divisions. We headed southwest toward the Khulna division.

We took a van from the capital city of Dhaka, but came upon a washed out bridge. This was our next mode of transportation. Pictured with Dennis are Peter Moore and Joshe Bose. I sat on the opposite side of Dennis. 

We stopped in a village where four of the church congregations met us. This was our welcoming party. Flower petals were ready to be thrown like rice in an American wedding.

Due to the rainy weather we gathered under a makeshift tent. We had hoped to get to another destination to meet with other gathering churches before nightfall, but due to the rain and the delay in travel from the washed out bridge, we had to cancel and move on to our night's lodging.

To get a taste of our three-wheel journey dangling our legs over a flat top wagon of sorts, check out the 30-second video above.

One of two boat rides getting to our final destination where Joshe's family lives.

Our team arriving at the Home of Love where 25 orphan boys stay and where children gather for school. Peter Moore in the middle and Carol and Rich Schenck on the right.

Children at the school with their teacher

Beautiful school girls posing at the window

During one of the pastor's training sessions, I opted to go outside and play cricket with the kids. Eventually I learned that you don't hold a cricket bat like a baseball bat :).

Two of the young pastors

So many pictures to share. I'll do another post on Bangladesh in a few days.

Thanks for following along!