DENVER, Colo. (Special to BNc)- On January 23, Ralph Williams, Bear Valley Bible Institute Coordinator Of Works In Asia And Africa, and I left to investigate the possibility of establishing an extension at some point in Bandarban, Bangladesh.

We also went to have the opportunity to study with men from three different denominations about the New Testament church.

Our contacts there are four young men who trained at the National Bible College in Chennai, India (some of them during the time in which BVBI was associated with it). Our main contact among these four men is a 32-year-old named Vannuam Bawm.

Unusually heavy rains delayed the start of these studies for over a day, but we studied on the Lord’s Day with them for over seven hours.

Ralph and I covered the matters of Bible authority (it’s common among the Bawm tribal people to use a drum to accompany their singing), the essentiality of baptism in God’s plan for redemption (they hold the faith-only view), and the unique, singular nature of the church (their being part of denominationalism).

We feel good progress was made as they saw the truth on these matters and have pledged to obey what the Bible instructs. Please pray for them to have the courage and sustained conviction to do this, since they had not taken the needed steps by the time we had to leave on Monday, Jan. 28.

We had a responsibility to look in on the missionaries with whom we work in Siem Reab, Cambodia, and to learn of the progress made toward opening our extension in that city and country.

Exciting things are happening, and six were baptized in that fledging work in January. Others are very close.

Greg and Sheila Hamlin, who previously did mission work in Nigeria, moved in 2007 to help with this work.

Two native Cambodians, Chann Lork and Phnat Ooch, are doing an amazing job in developing the work and reaching a people with a tragic past but now a bright future.

Below are responses we’ve received thus far. Check back soon for updates and additions, especially from some directly in or involved with the work in Pakistan.

Michael E. Brooks, Bangladesh: As you know, Bangladesh was part of Pakistan (as East Pakistan) 1947-1971. Parting was not amicable and there is much animosity among many Bengalis towards Pakistan. However, there are some (Islamic fundamentalists in particular) who were opposed to independence and remain pro-Pakistani. I would expect that this assassination, especially if proven to be by fundamentalist Islamics and if it results in any destabilization of democratic processes, to provide inspiration for similar tactics in Bangladesh. It is too early to tell for sure, and this is my initial expectation only. It adds another touch of urgency to our work, that we may continue to “work while it is day; the night comes when no one can work.”

Dennis and Beth Johnson in Chennai, India: We just heard the news, so have no idea what will happen yet. We will do our best to watch the reactions of people here and let you know what we see. I imagine much will depend upon who did the deed. We are praying much for the political situation so that we can lead a “quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

For a spiritual application of Bhutto’s assassination, see Tim Hall, The Power of an Extremist. 

High-powered Cyclone Sidr came from the Bay of Bengal and hit Bangladesh to cause death and devastation Nov. 15, as 15-foot-high waves battered the country’s sealine.

According to a Nov. 19 report by Disaster News Network, estimates are that from 10 to 15 thousand have died.

More than a quarter of a million people are homeless. Few have been reached by relief crews.

Michael E. Brooks, missions minister of the Highland Park church in Muscle Shoals, Ala., received the following letter from Ibon Halder, Assistant Director of the Khulna Bible College.

“November 20, 2007

“Dear Mike,

“Here is the report on Cyclone damage. Luther is back from Kalmegha. I am also back from Jalabari. There are more than 2500 dead until today (Nov 20) and more discovered every day.

1. “Shikarpur & Kalabaria Church: All the members’ houses and trees are on ground and no rice on the field. Church building destroyed.
2. “Rajapur Church: Members’ houses and trees are on the ground and no rice on the field. Swapon’s house also broken. (Note: Swapon Guarami is the preacher in Rajapur.)*
3. “Barnard Biswas’ land in Rajapur has trees blown down and rice crop destroyed. (Barnard is from Rajapur, living and working now in Barisal City.)
4. “Dasher Khanda: Protap’s house broken, trees and crops destroyed, two of the member’s home destroyed. Church building destroyed. (Note: Protap is the preacher in Dasher Kanda).
5. “Kataltala Church: Trees and crops destroyed, three of the member’s home destroyed. Church building destroyed.
6. Laudov Church: Trees and crops destroyed, all the member’s houses destroyed. Church building little damaged.
7. Vorosapur Church: Trees and crops destroyed; no damage on Church building.
8. Lakhanpur Church: Trees and crops destroyed.
9. Ophapur Church: Trees and crops destroyed.
10. Kalachandpur Church (in Dhaka): One of member’s home in the village completely destroyed. Thomas’s house in the village also destroyed. He also lost the entire paper document for land and other important papers. (Thomas Sarkar is the preacher at Kalachandpur. This is his parents’ / family home in rural Bangladesh).
11. Jalabari Church; my parent’s house is under a big tree. It pulled out from the root and fell over our house and smashed it. It is repairable and none is hurt but my uncle’s house beside our house was blown down. A tree fell on his house and he was inside the house. Clive (Ibon’s brother) pulled him out and he was bruised and cut seriously. Another uncle by the lake also same and my aunt was in there were under the house, also Clive pulled her out from under the house after house collapsed. She also was hurt seriously and injured. My grandmother’s house was also torn apart. She is all right. In there thousands of trees were pulled out from the root and thrown afar. Other people who are in my village are suffering seriously; like Litton’s parent’s house blown and taken far away. Litton’s uncle was coming out of his house and a tin from his roof blown out and thrown into his neck from behind and cut his neck. He died this morning. Litton went home for burial for his uncle in Jalabari. (Note: Litton is a security guard at Khulna Bible College.)

“The major force of the cyclone attacked in Barguna, Pathorghata, Jalokati, Swarupkati, Pirojpur, Barisal and Faridpur. Khulna is not as bad as the other places. (Note: However, Khulna also suffered much damage including loss of electrical power, building damage and personal injuries.)

“Ibon Philip Halder
“Assistant Director, Khulna Bible College”

* Notes in parentheses are made by Michael E. Brooks

In response to this news, Brooks sent out the following request for help Nov. 21.

“November 21, 2007

“To Christians Concerned for Bangladesh Storm Victims

“Dear Brothers and Sisters,

“You have no doubt heard of the devastating cyclone that hit Bangladesh on November 15. With winds up to 150 mph this storm has destroyed many thousands of homes and killed over 3,500 people. Many Christian families were injured and their property was damaged or destroyed. The major rice crop of the year was also greatly damaged, with expected food shortages in the near future.

“Government and charitable organizations are already responding to the great needs in Bangladesh. However, because of the millions of victims and the fact that Bangladesh is a majority Islamic nation, many members of the Churches of Christ may not receive sufficient assistance through these sources.

“We have already heard from Ibon Halder and other preachers and contacts in Bangladesh. I am enclosing a copy of a report he has given on the damage that he observed in the area near Khulna (southwest portion of Bangladesh). This is only a small part of the total picture.

“Many of our congregations were severely affected. In addition to bodily injuries and at least one death, many homes are completely lost and several church buildings were destroyed. The Lord’s people are suffering greatly.

“The elders of Highland Park Church of Christ are asking our members to give generously to bring relief for our brothers and sisters in Bangladesh. We also will give from our budgeted funds. Additionally we are organizing members of the Church there to administer these funds so that they reach those who are in greatest need.

“We are inviting you to join with us in showing Christian love and support to these storm victims. If you or your congregation wish to be a part of this effort please notify us, or send funds to Highland Park Church of Christ, P.O. Box 2216, Muscle Shoals, AL 35662.

“Please mark your checks ‘Bangladesh Cyclone Relief Fund.’ If you have questions please call 256-381-8311 or email us at hpcc_office@comcast.net .

“Please pray for all those suffering from the cyclone in Bangladesh, and especially for our Christian brothers and sisters. Thank you,

“Michael E. Brooks
“Minister of Missions and Evangelism
“Highland Park Church of Christ”