By Bob Edwards

Let me tell you a wonderful story of a visit that I made to a house church just outside of Lalmanirhat, Bangladesh. For me, it was a significant visit in that the young evangelist is working in the village with the leaders of the predominant religious group of this area.

As the group I was traveling with entered a young man’s house just after the noon meal, we found the small mud hut full of elders from the community. To the right was a large raised wooden bed covered with a locally woven mat on which about ten elders sat cross-legged in two rows.

As we were introduced to the men, it was evident from their uncut silver beards and simple white muslin dress that they represented leaders of the predominant religion. The custom is to shake hands and then gently touch your chest with your right hand. This beautiful custom immediately shows a sign of respect.

We were ushered to a similarly large bed on the left side of the one-door dwelling. Mats were brought in from the outside, and women came in to sit on the floor to listen.

Light came in through the open door and the two small windows in the front of the house. On the mud walls were various signs. One in English read, “I am the way the truth and the life.” Another simply declared, “Emmanuel.” After all had gathered inside, an electric fan was brought in for us, which reluctantly pushed hot air in our direction.

The young evangelist stood in the open door and began to speak. No singing took place; he just got straight into the Word. He spoke rapidly in the local dialect. Although we could not understand the language, it was evident from those who sat across from us that these were powerful, meaningful words that were being proclaimed. He spoke for about fifteen minutes.

As the young man ended, an elder who had been standing beside him began to speak directly to the gathering. We were told afterwards that this elder said something like the following: “Fifteen years ago, I saw a vision of Jesus and I turned to him. I searched for someone to share with me my new faith. Then I found this young man. Now we walk together. I am a follower of Jesus. Is it not time for you to turn to him also?” After we were introduced to the gathering, a short but powerful prayer was given to end the service.

Later, John Boedecker, who was traveling in my group, said something that I have thought much about since: “I have noticed that evangelists to other strong religious groups always speak with great boldness.” The young man, and the elder who stood by him proclaimed the word of God with great boldness and no hint of timidity. When God calls a person to be his spokesperson, he gives them a spirit of power and of light that penetrates the darkness.

I thank my God that I was there to experience this beautiful testimony.