Bangladesh is a country of extremes. It’s a fertile and beautiful place with great potential, experiencing rapid economic growth. And yet, it is still one of the poorest countries in Asia. This week, we pray for communities hit by disaster and families overcoming poverty through Tearfund’s Transforming Communities programmes.
Sunday 20 July
One of the world’s most densely populated countries, Bangladesh’s growing population experiences frequent natural disasters and flooding. Last July, much of Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital city, was underwater as heavy rains fell. Pray for the people still recovering from the floods as they rebuild homes and restart their businesses.
Monday 21 July
Through training, run by a Tearfund partner, from her local church, Juliet learnt how to preserve dry foods and other essentials in waterproof jars to be taken to a cyclone shelter. Through the training, Juliet and her community have learnt to withstand crises and be prepared and resilient before they happen. Ask God to spread this learning so that more people can avoid the worst effects of floods and emergencies.
Tuesday 22 July
The caste system in Bangladesh means many communities are stigmatised. ‘People used to look at us with hatred,’ says Pastor Sumon, whose congregation faces even more stigma because they are Christian. Pray that local churches in Bangladesh will be respected and valued in their communities.
Wednesday 23 July
Thanks to Tearfund’s Transforming Communities training, Pastor Sumon has been encouraging his church to improve their lives and facilities. They recently built and now maintain a water station. Give thanks that since the water point was built, the pastor says ‘a good relationship has been built with local people’.
Thursday 24 July
‘Our future plans include further efforts to prevent child marriage,’ says Pastor Sumon. ‘We want to expand our tree planting programme and there is a plan to form a committee of church members to deal with natural disasters.’ Pray that the church members will get behind these plans and that they will be successful.
Friday 25 July
Many churches, like Pastor Sumon’s, are getting behind and outworking Tearfund’s Transforming Communities programmes, which have Bible studies at the heart. ‘Real transformation comes when Christ’s love is present,’ says David Chandran, from Tearfund’s partner LAMB. Pray that more churches in Bangladesh will catch this vision.
Saturday 26 July
Join today with this prayer from our Tearfund team in Bangladesh: ‘Lord, continuously we pray for Bangladesh, for all our partners and staff. Give us your wisdom and guidance in spite of all these difficult situations, to strengthen ourselves and to work for you to give love and hope to children and families. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.’
