Louise and Peter Lynch
November 2024
2024
It is coming towards the end of a historic and at times turbulent year in Bangladesh. So, as we are about to return to the UK for Home Assignment, it seems fitting to remember some of the highlights where, in amongst everything, we have seen God at work. We also want to thank you for your prayers which have carried us through.
For Bangladesh, the months of July and August, the protests, violence and the people's revolution will always be remembered as part of the nation's history. It was not a comfortable time, and not made easier for us by the uncertainty over our visa. We are thankful that our visas were successfully renewed (praise God), and now all the Christian's here are praying for the political situation, that there will be a free and peaceful future for all.
If you regularly read this newsletter then hopefully you feel like you have been part of some of these highlights.
Fruitful Ministry
At the beginning of 2024 the Baptist Mission Training Centre began its work and it has been a joyful journey to see the couples that are training, growing and serving in their communities. We have been excited to see a number of baptisms from the outreach fields where trainees are sharing the love of God. Special occasions were in February when a group of 13 from majority background believers got baptised and later in the year in the north of Bangladesh where 37 people got baptised.
There are daily challenges for many of the people we work with. Responding to flooding events through providing relief, strengthening families spiritually, working with children and families to help provide protection and opportunity have all featured high on where we see God at work.
Some of this was profiled in the BMS Harvest appeal which was filmed here In February. We hope that many of you have seen it, shared it, enjoyed it and encouraged people to give to BMS. If you missed it - you can view it here! https://bmsworldmission.org/seek-first-the-kingdom-resources
Living Through 2024
As we look back on the year, we give thanks for God's care, provision, protection and faithfulness. We are so looking forward to being with our family over Christmas and look forward to sharing some cold winter weather with many of you over the coming weeks. It is nearly 17 months since we were in the UK, so we are ready to breath the fresh December air! The plan is to return to Bangladesh in February 2025.
Success as Faithfulness
We learn a lot and admire the faith and resilience of many of those we work with. In hard places they serve tirelessly. In many places in Bangladesh success is faithfulness. The words of Jesus to the churches, “to those that overcome” are words of promise rewarding faithfulness in difficult circumstances and so even more wonderful are the promise of the fruit of the tree of life and the bread of heaven (Revelation 2:7; 17).
It is our privilege to honour, strengthen and support current leaders and next generation leaders. Please keep praying for John, the new General Secretary and for Molina, the SHED Board Director. Pray that God will give them strength, joy and courage in their work.
Pray for the next generation leaders, training with the help of BMS support at CCTB. We love teaching the students and being at the college. Give thanks with us that in mid-year the college achieved Asia Theological Association accreditation for the Diploma, BTh, MA and MDiv until 2029. However, above all, give thanks that God is raising up women and men with a passion to serve Him.
There is a lot more that could be said, but we have run out of words for now - and we need to catch a plane in a couple of hours. Enough to say, thank you again for being with us this year.
Happy Christmas.
Emmanuel!
Pete and Louise