Life...

Hi all, especially my friends in Bangladesh,

Its been such a long time since we have communicated, but I am hoping that you are all still strong in the Lord and in His Mighty power. Nairobi has been raining for a while reminding me of the last days in Satkhira when the Monsoon winds caught up with us.

How are you all doing? Roni, Sumi, Rimi, Shital, Rupa, Richard, Taposh, Arnest, how is Uncle Joseph, and Tribina, Dipali - and hey! John, how are they all doing?

As for me, I visited Liberia, South Africa, and just led another team in Mozambique through a FRONTIER process. It was very different from what we had in Bangladesh, the concepts same but the methodologies different. We know in Bangladesh the issues were more of child trafficking, huge Spiritual Warfare which the Lord gave us Victory e.t.c in Mozambique, the issues are more of HIV/AIDS, poverty, and reconciliation/stigma. It was very dry and we also ate alot of rice which I know you would all be pleased to hear.

I have shared with some of you, but for those who don't know, our team is coming to an end as of end of June this year. We still know that the Lord has called us for big things, but as of June, we are all seeking/looking for what the Lord has in store for us; We know His plans are perfect.

I encourage all of you not to give up, not to loose focus on what the Lord has invested in you. You are special and carry the Lords work in you. Be aware of people of bad character, stick around people who will influence you, those who think positively. Pray all the time, and remember those who are in need; its not just about you.

Is Roni still making nice curries? Rupa still making the nice dresses?

I have been involved also with a little business ( blog spot http://dorcusbeads.blogspot.com/ ) making products from recycled magazines. April my friend and I have been doing this for the last 10months and we are using this as another opportunity to have entry points with women in the communities. Attached is a picture of us at a sale last November.

How was your Christmas?

Meble

Richard Halder

Dear Friends,

Its been such along time since I last wrote. I have been back in Africa for a few months now and I will be sharing what I have been up to separetely.

One thing to bring to your attention, if you recall my first entery with a title where are the writters under Richard Halder, its with pleausure to let you know that Richard has managed to finish a Bangla Devotional. Its been a vision and drem which he didnt give up on.

Good job Richard Halder, may your energy and vision be an influence to future generations who read the Devotional

Meble

YCD Connections: Sacrifice

If you have been reading this blog since the beginning in June, you would recall the post on a team of young people I met my first week in Bangladesh. They are not Salvationists but are solid Christians and run trainings on Praise and Worship across Bangladesh.

At this time they are planning on a country wide camp and they will lead many young people to The Lords throne through worship and training on how to be intimate with our Lord Jesus Christ.

I had a chance to connect with them again during my last days in Bangladesh;joined in their rehearsals and their Saturday Trainings in Dhaka.

It was great catching up again and sharing our many adventures. The Sacrifice team is also young but highly gifted and talented. A small group that is changing the face of worship for many young people in Bangladesh, within and outside the Army including non-christian communities.

It was a blessing to meet them and they supported my time in Bangladesh as great friends. As part of the fellowship towards the end of the rehearsal on that day, they raised their hands and prayed for my trip back to Kenya, for Africa and the Mission I have been called to. They asked the Lord to favor me.

The Lord confirmed again that He is present in our lives, He doesn't send us where His presence isn't. The Lord is God.

Great times.....

YCD Connections: Messengers.

I had an opportunity to fellowship and spend two hours with a team of young people at one of TSA Corps in Dhaka. The team calls itself Messengers, they meet once a week, practice songs and talk together as youths who are called for singing for The Lord.

The team is divided in a way that; they have one leaders and divided responsibilities for programming, writing of the songs and leading the rehearsals. They are still young in their Ministry but determined to make it work. Two of the team-mates in the process Roni and Arnest are from that Corps.

These 'presence' connections are very important for young people, its part of the energy needed for keeping the motivation for youth responses and confirming appreciation for changes seen as influenced by young people's actions; - either through small choirs or drama groups or kids clubs. We need to encourage supporting our teams and groups by being present with them.

Training College Connection

It has been a privilege to visit the Training College, work with the Training Principle but also connect with Cadets while we were in the community as well as the SALT workshop process in Jessore ( there is a post on that process)

The Cadets are on 'out training' at the moment.

In this photo is Meble, Captain Milon and Richard.

21 February: Memorial day

On this day, thousands and thousands of citizens of Bangladesh stream to this area. They bring flowers and chant as they walk on the streets. They dont wear shoes on this day; and everyone brings flowers in rememberance of the blood that was shed as warriors fought for independence. Those who are unable to make it to the venue, make little flower fields around their houses.

Its an annual event and very significant to the people of Bangladesh.

The structures you see are images of a Mother with four children.

Martyrs Memorial.