Chris and Deb Hindal are spending the months of October through December visiting international partners in Asia. Already God answered prayer when they were given access to visit the ministry center of the Bangladesh Tribal Association of Baptist Churches in the Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. (Read “Hindals Minister in Hill Tracts of Bangladesh.”)
Bangladesh Tribal Association of Baptist Churches
A few days after their visit in the Hill Tracts, Chris met with the executive committee of the Bangladesh Tribal Association of Baptist Churches in Malumghat, Bangladesh. Chris took the opportunity at the Nov. 18 meeting to explain the breadth and benefits of the International Partnership of Fundamental Baptist Ministries.
The pastors were not only encouraged that they were a part of something bigger than themselves, but they got excited about the resources available to them on the IPFBMconnect website. They began thinking about the possibility of holding a joint conference with another association in their region that is also a partner in the IPFBM. The 150 tribal churches scattered along the Hill Tracts throughout eastern Bangladesh are isolated from contact. The thought of a joint conference brought them hope as they plant churches in the hills. The Bangladesh Tribal Association of Baptist Churches is the most recent association added to the International Partnership.
Bangladesh Association of Baptist Churches
Chris also met with the officers of the Bangladesh Association of Baptist Churches. Pastor Ajoy Mitra is chairman. This association started in 1998 and has 17 churches among the Bengali-speaking people. All the churches have pastors—some serving full-time, others serving without pay. Eight church planters are also ministering. One church was started last year, and two were started this year. The goal for 2013 is to start three churches. When Chris proposed holding a joint conference with the tribal churches, the officers responded positively. Such a conference would cost about $2,000. The churches will take offerings for that purpose but will need some outside help.