BANGLADESH: PRAY FOR RIPON AS HE TRIES TO SHARE JESUS WITH YOUNG PEOPLE

Ripon (not his real name) is a 28-year-old believer from the Chittagong Hill Tracts in southeastern Bangladesh. Three years ago, he became the first Christian in his Buddhist family. Although his decision brought strong opposition, God has transformed the lives of his family. Today, his parents, sister, and wife all follow Christ.

When people in Ripon’s village discovered he had become a Christian, they pressured him to give up his faith. Community leaders told him that Christians were not welcome and threatened to force him from the village. Ripon refused, explaining that everyone has the right to choose their own religion.

The pressure soon spread to his family. Village leaders warned Ripon’s parents that the whole family could be driven out if he continued following Jesus. But despite the pressure, Ripon stood firm:

“God gave me the courage to tell my father that I could never deny Christ. At the same time, I told him that I would never leave him because the Bible teaches me to honour my parents.”

Today, Ripon sees how God has changed his father’s heart.

“Now, when I look back, I would say my father is an even better believer than I am. He encourages me to attend church regularly, and whenever I travel for ministry or seminars, he lovingly takes care of my two daughters.”

Even though his family now supports him, opposition from the community continues.

Together with another evangelist, Ripon shares the Gospel with young people through gatherings called “The Picnic of John.” Young people meet in the hills, cook and eat together, read through the Gospel of John, discuss its message, and pray. These events have attracted many young people who want to learn more about Jesus.

Recently, Buddhist monks and village leaders held a meeting and told Ripon to stop organising these gatherings. Restrictions were also placed on a nearby Christian worship centre, including limits on singing during worship.

Despite this, Ripon remains hopeful:

“I was actually happy that the meeting took place because now almost everyone in the village knows there is someone called Jesus. They may not know Him yet, but at least they have heard His name. I believe this will make it easier for me to speak with them about Him in the future.”

For now, Ripon and other believers have paused some outreach activities to reduce tension in the village. They continue praying and worshipping together. Ripon asks for prayer that he will stay faithful to God’s calling and that many more people will come to know Jesus Christ.