Mookto

Today, in language class, i learned the word for 'free' (regarding to freedom, not cost) in Bangla: "Mookto." My teacher, Polak, was explaining that he was free because he has no wife to question him about his times away from home. Although it was said in fun, this idea launched me into deep thoughts regarding the true meaning of freedom. I have come to the conclusion that identifying true freedom can be deceiving.

There was a time in my life that I exercised what I thought was maximum freedom. I lived away from home and made all my own choices. If I wanted something, I sought it. I didn't have anyone governing me (like my parents), and I certainly wansn't seeking God's direction. I was practicing my free will in an unhealthy way. I was doing the things that I thought made me happy. I was 'living it up.' To my frustration, this lifestyle never truly satisfied me. Instead, I began feeling trapped by my own lifestyle. My practice of freedom led me straight to my own prison. When I finally turned to Jesus is when I found true freedom.

From the outside, a lifestyle with Jesus seems like giving up freedom. The Bible says not to do this or that. It gives the 10 commandments and seems to restrict our 'freedom' in so many ways. We must remember that these laws come out of God's LOVE for us. They are there to guide us. They are for our best interest. In John 8:31-32, Jesus says, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Following leads to freedom, not doing our own things. Jesus redefines freedom.

Galations 5:1 says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery." True freedom is following Jesus. True freedom is victory over sin. True freedom is being close to Jesus. When we surrender our lives to Jesus and daily give Him our sins, we walk futher into the truth of freedom.

It's crazy that all of these thoughts sparked from a word it didn't know yesterday. My prayer today is that we will "Mookto" ourselves from the the things, big or small, that keep us from Jesus. AMEN!!

An EXCITING time for Bangladesh!

I have never looked so forward to reading the Bangladeshi newspaper as I have in the last few weeks. Big things are changing here, and it seems to be moving in a GOOD direction. Let me (try to) explain a bit.

For several months, the two major political parties in Bangladesh had been clashing, acting to gain power and control of the upcoming elections. National strikes and blockades were a common form of protest, really slowing down Bangladesh's economy and everyday life. Mid-January, the excitement really began when one of the parties pulled themselves out of the election claiming the process was not bringing a 'free and fair election.' Without the involvement of both parties, the international governments refused to acknowledge the outcome as a fair-democratic election. This external pressure forced the two parties to come to some sort of agreement so both could be involved in the election. In the end, top people resigned, a 'caretaker government' of 3 men were assigned (one of the men is Christian!), and an anti-corruption drive has cleaned Bangladesh up in major ways. Now the elections have been postponed so a valid voter list could be organized. It doesn't stop here.

The next concern was that, although the corruption is being exposed and dealt with by the caretaker government, the next party that gains political power will fall back into the old corrupted ways (both parties are considered corrupt). Dr. Yunus (the 2006 winner of the Noble Peace Prize) who has already proven his intent to help the common man, has shown interest to form a new political party. Although this would be a very controversial move, It is a proactive move to make Bangladesh a better place for all people, not just those on top.

All of that said, my request is that you join us in prayer for Bangladesh during such a critical time. God is so good, so just, so righteous, and so much more. We praise Him and acknowledge His hand in all this, and continue to pray for His hand over this nation! Pray especially for an annointing and protection of leadership.

Check out http://www.thedailystar.net/ for the latest news in Bangladesh and a guide to prayer. I will add it to the links in my sidebar for future reference as well!!

Settling Down & Settling In

The Christmas decorations made a record-long apperance at my parents house this year, thanks to my gracious mother. They were my reminder of the faithfulness of God in bringing me home for the holidays. This season I was overwhelmed by the blessings in my life: my incredible family, loyal friends, a prayerful & supportive spiritual family, and dairy products. Why would anyone leave all that?

I'll have to admit, getting on the plane was quite a struggle this time. I was far from certain it was the right timing of God's plan for me. Through my 2-day journey, I had plenty of thoughts of just turning around to return home. That peace I had departed with every other time never showed up to calm my anxieties. I arrived in Bangladesh safe, but numb--numb to the excitement of a new adventure, numb to the life in this culture, and numb to the presence of God. A long 3 days after my arrival, God lifted my burden and His peace has rested in my heart ever since.

I can now honestly say that I am glad to be back in Bangladesh. Last week I escaped from the city & joined a short-term team in a village outside of Khulna. Much of the ministry their focused on 'reviving' the local Christian communities. We shared how being a Christian allows us to enjoy more than salvation and heaven. We taught about how we don't have to wait until heaven to be with God, because God wants an intimate relationship with us on earth. So many Christians know about Jesus and acknowledge Him as Lord, yet don't spend time with Him. One of the most exciting stories from the week was seeing God soften the hearts of a group of 20 Muslim men. They were working nearby to dig a pond and one of the local Christian men invited them to join our meeting that night (to see the foriegners). The joined us but, at first, when we were clapping and singing songs about Jesus, these men just stared at us with that cold-hard look in their eyes. After the team started sharing about who Jesus was and the love He has for us, a transformation occured and they were captivated. When their dinner call rang in the distance, they hesitated to leave. They were considering surrendering their meal to hear more about Jesus. They all ended up leaving, but returned 15 minutes later for more of Jesus and fellowship!!

I would've liked to stay in the village longer, but I had to return to Dhaka for the start of my Bangla Language Course. Little did I know that I would miss my first class. The Biswa Itjema, the 2nd largest Muslim gathering in the world (2nd to the Hajj in Mecca) was in session nearby. All day long, getting around deemed nearly impossible as the roads were filled with Muslims dressed in their white shirts and hats all walking in one direction to the meeting. Getting to my class required me to work against the white tide. Thankfully, my teachers understood and appreciated my innocent attempt to still get to class. It turned out that the other student in our class of 2 had the same problem, so I didn't even miss a thing.

I have had 4 classes now and am really enjoying it. I am learning the script and feel like I am in art class at times. It is beautiful and fun. I have learned 28 of the 52 consonants now and am starting to be able to read words on signs and billboards (but have yet to understand what I am reading). Please continue to pray for my understanding of Bangla!!

I know I went a long time without updating everyone. My hopes are to have an afternoon set apart weekly for internet communications. As long as the electricity works in my favor, plan to hear from me weekly. Thanks again for all your prayers, support, and encouragement. Habar dekah Hobay. It means: I will see (or in this case write) you again.