HOPE THROUGH EDUCATION 2

Hope Through Education - Part 2  Yesterday, we discovered three young Christian men, Muslim Background Believers, who see God’s hand at work in Bangladesh even in the midst of the many tragedies there—chaos, cyclones, collapsing buildings. Siddik Rahman, one of these men,  has been a Christian for 13 years now. Muslim since birth, a friend shared God’s Word with him and referred to Quranic verses that spoke about Jesus. When asked to choose which is real, Siddik choose the Word. “I’m interested to know more about the Word of God,” says Siddik. Working as an accountant for a Christian organization, Siddik decided that it was time to “step-up” his knowledge about Jesus and wanted to enroll in a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program. Siddik’s wife Fency, a nurse and teacher, agreed to join him. His passion led them to an opportunity to study abroad through an Open Doors scholarship program. Shahinur Rahman Shagin, and his wife Mamataz, are the most recent couple that Open Doors sent to the overseas Bible school. Shahinur, once part of a church planting team, became a pastor with Mamataz leading the Sunday school classes and supporting community development work. Raised in a Muslim family, Shahinur acknowledges that he has not had a good relationship with his family since he converted to Christ. However, he has been praying for them and God has been working, especially among his brothers who were once part of a radical political group. “They have now quit the group,” says Shahinur, who became a follower of Christ through a friend. After securing a diploma in theological studies, Shahinur desires to serve in a Muslim community, with Mamataz helping with children programs. Shahinur shares, “It is a blessing from God to find a wife who complements me in terms of calling and ministry.” One With Them Siddik, Shahinur, and Abbus (from yesterday’s devotional) remind us of those three young Hebrew men who were taken into Babylonian captivity. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego kept God as the first and foremost thing they desired... even while living among pagans and being blessed with many favors by the king. Let’s join in prayer – Be One With Them – today as we ask God to give these three men and their wives in Bangladesh the faith of those three young Hebrew men of the Bible. One With Them CHALLENGE Open Doors trained over 265,000 persecuted believers last year. Training programs are geared to help Christians stand strong through the storms of persecution. You can be a part of helping those suffering for Christ grow deeper in their faith and learn to continue to be effective witnesses for Him, regardless of the situation. Visit the Open Doors website today and prayerfully consider helping as you feel led. Click here. 2013.07.03 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3)