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| Some of those detained await release at the police station. Morning Star News |
Two pastors could potentially be facing two years in prison after more than 100 militant Islamists interrupted a meeting in which 41 people, including Muslims, were listening to the message of Christ being preached.
On November 9th, police invaded a rented house in Nabinagar village (northwest of Dhaka) after being informed of the meeting by Muslims who were outraged because the church leaders were presenting the Gospel. Most of those present at the meeting were detained and then released later that night. The two pastors, however, were not released until November 17th, and only on the condition of bail.
Both pastoral leaders have been charged with "hurting religious sentiments" and "luring" Muslims to convert on the promise of money. Pastor Arif Mondol denies the charges. "We did not tell anything to anyone that might hurt religious sensibility," he explains. "We did not offer any money for anyone to be converted to Christianity."
Bangladesh is an Islamic nation with a population consisting of approximately 90 percent who are Muslim. While there is officially freedom to practise other faiths, those who do so face tremendous opposition from authorities and the Muslim majority.
Secretary General of the Bangladesh Christian Association Nirmol Rozario says, "I demand that the case against the pastors be dismissed, since the grounds of the case are contradictory to our constitution."
Praise God that most of the meeting attendees who were initially detained have been released without charges. May the Holy Spirit work mightily in the hearts of those who were presented with the Gospel before the meeting was disrupted. Ask the Lord to continue using the Christian witness and testimony of the two pastors for the glory of His name, even as they patiently await the outcome of the legal case and pending charges. Considering that believers of a Muslim background can also face especially trying circumstances, often having to forsake all that they have and those whom they know for the sake of Christ, pray for the Lord's comforting presence and strength to uphold them. In fact, may His tangible presence and empowerment be experienced by all Christians in Bangladesh so they can be more effective witnesses for Him.
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