Determined to See Historic Revival in Desperate Circumstances

Insights From Cole Richards, President Of The Voice Of The Martyrs, On The hope of Christianity in Bangladesh

The following reflection is written by Cole Richards, President of The Voice of the Martyrs. In this insightful passage, he dives into the hope the power of the Gospel offers for the nation of Bangladesh.

Most people have at least some degree of national pride, but it seems less common in Bangladesh, which is considered one of the world’s most corrupt and dysfunctional nations. During one of my visits, a Muslim man went out of his way to tell me that he did not understand why any foreigner would visit his country. “What are you doing here?” he asked with a look of incredulity. “My country is corrupt, crowded, desperately poor and full of violent extremists!”

The fact that a nation can be characterized by both desperate circumstances and historic revival should be instructive for us. God’s eternal purposes will not be thwarted by the flaws or failings of any nation’s government or economy.

Cole Richards, President of VOM

While the population of Bangladesh is roughly half that of the U.S., this huge populace is crowded into a frequently flooded river delta that is less than 2% of the geographical size of the U.S. The nation is officially Muslim, and those who leave Islam to follow Christ pay a tremendous price. Converts are commonly persecuted by both their families and communities, and Christian leaders also experience persecution from government officials. Still, at least half a million Bangladeshi Muslims have come to faith in Christ in the past 50 years, as this deeply troubled nation has experienced one of the greatest revivals in history.

The fact that a nation can be characterized by both desperate circumstances and historic revival should be instructive for us. God’s eternal purposes will not be thwarted by the flaws or failings of any nation’s government or economy.

Like our brother Omar, we are meant to follow God undeterred. Omar was rejected by his family and community, yet he continued to share the gospel. Confronted by Islamists, he continued to share the gospel. Falsely accused, arrested, beaten, tortured and imprisoned, he continued sharing the gospel. And he did all of this in a nation with severe and ungovernable problems. Omar had every excuse not to share the gospel, but he continued in obedience to Christ.

I am inspired and challenged by the determination of Omar and other Christian leaders in Bangladesh. I can call them to mind when my nation’s economic outlook tempts me to become distracted from sharing the gospel and making disciples. I can remember them when I am tempted to become so involved in working to improve my community or nation that I fail to proclaim the gospel message. The example of faithful believers in Bangladesh helps me avoid being a watcher instead of a worker. I need to ensure that I am not watching the weather instead of planting seeds; otherwise, I will not receive a harvest (Ecclesiastes 11:4). Our Christian brothers and sisters a world away, living in desperate circumstances, are showing us the way.