News / Thoughts

Bangladesh: Help for Christians missing out on aid

Persecution isn’t always about violence or threats. Sometimes it’s more subtle. In Bangladesh, in the middle of the Covid-19 crisis, some Christians are not being given access to vital government aid and supplies. As businesses have had to shut down, people have no income and are reliant on the government for help. But, Christians are being left out. An Open Doors local partner explained:

“Most of the poor people have received their ration cards from the government and they are able to collect government rice for free, but the Christians do not get these ration cards. Even when the local representatives distributed goods to the poor people, the Christians did not get anything.”

A gift from God…

Thanks to your support, Open Doors partners have been able to reach hundreds of families so far, providing non-perishables such as rice, potatoes, salt, oil, and dahl. A local partner said, “Some of them asked me who donated these goods. When I told them that they are believers like us and they are praying for us every day, tears ran down their faces. They become very emotional and very happy.”

Harun, another local partner added, “They (the beneficiaries) see this aid as a gift from God. They have realised that they have friends, brothers and sisters who love them and are praying for them from other parts of the earth.”

Some of those who received aid packages walked long distances to get the support. Arun, a local believer said:

“We live in a remote area. Nobody cared for us; nobody came to us – but suddenly you came and supported us. I am very happy. Thank you. God bless you abundantly.”

Image: Essential aid being given to Christians in rural areas…

Still much need…

There is still a huge need in Bangladesh. A large number of the believers are poor, working as labourers who earn a daily income. Almost every day, Christians and church leaders from different parts of the country are calling over the phone and requesting prayer and help for their brothers and sisters.

Despite the growing needs and challenges, Open Doors will continue to support our partners in the field to help our persecuted family with goods, prayers, and more. We are also finding other ways to help them face the possibility of the further extension of movement restrictions.

What you can do…

• If you can, please give to our Cover-19 Crisis Appeal…
• Raise money by taking on a sponsored challenge…
• Take part in the #1suffersallsuffer plank challenge…

Finally, you can pray this prayer…
Jesus, Lord of life and resurrection, thank You that You are supplying Your people’s needs through the generosity of Your servants around the world. In Your mercy, grant Your protection and provision daily to our brothers and sisters in Bangladesh. Give them the ability to stay calm towards those who discriminate against them. Energise the hearts and minds of local representatives so that they distribute aid fairly. And hasten the day when the virus is no longer a threat.