04/19/2022 Bangladesh (International Christian Concern) – A retired policeman has donated enough money and land to build a church in northern Bangladesh. This church will be the gathering place for about 200 Christians in the area. The local bishop consecrated the church earlier this month so the congregation could hold their Easter services in their new home. The population in this part of northern Bangladesh was historically animist, but the Catholic church’s evangelistic missions had local priests bring them the Gospel. The local community embraced Catholicism and was baptized, but they were still missing a church that was big enough to accommodate the mass.

The policeman had served for 40 years and was a devout believer. He recognized the need for a bigger church when a family member died, and the building could not hold all those wishing to mourn with the community members. The idea for a bigger church was born, and the land and money were donated. Now that the construction is completed, the former policeman shared with Agenzia Fides the feeling of doing God’s work. “I received great joy and peace from Jesus as we gave our goods for the new church. In doing good, there is a spiritual enjoyment that comes from the depths of the heart.”

Christians account for less than 1% of Bangladesh’s population. The majority Muslim nation has historically persecuted followers of Christ, which is why it is encouraging and important to recognize pockets of believers sacrificing what little they have to benefit their Christian community.