Greetings to all sisters and brothers in Christ, both at home and abroad!
I hope this message finds you well. I am delighted to share some significant updates and experiences that highlight our ongoing mission and evangelism work, as well as our focus and priorities for the future.
Recently, I had the honor of attending the South Asia Forum meeting held in Cardiff, which provided a fruitful platform for discussions and collaboration. Following this, we—the 34 primates of the Anglican Communion, along with His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury—had the opportunity to have an audience with Pope Francis in Vatican City. This meeting was a profound moment of unity and spiritual renewal, reinforcing our shared commitment to the mission of the Church.
Furthermore, I embarked on a mission visit to Khagrachori, where I witnessed the dedication and resilience of our mission centers in some of the most remote areas. Accompanied by Revd. Ajoy Ritchil, we successfully visited several mission centers despite the challenging journey. Our travels took us through water, streams, torrents, heavy rains, and thunderstorms. We walked 5 kilometers through these conditions, navigating up and down muddy, slippery pathways and traversing several hills.
During our visit on May 18-19, we reached the mission centers in Notun Bagan Para (35 km), Dukhiram Para (32 km), and Alokbortika Para (35 km) in the Bhaibon Chora Union Parishad, as well as Lomba Chora (30 km) and Bhalukkhe Chora (35 km) in another Upazila of Khagrachori District. Despite the physical challenges, we experienced the Day of Pentecost 2024 profoundly, feeling our hardships were minimal compared to what St. Paul endured to witness the Gospel of Jesus. I also acknowledge that the Barishal & Kushtia Diocese is also enthusiastically running its mission and evangelical works.
Reflecting on our journey, I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9: “We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”These words resonate deeply as we continue our mission work, facing various challenges but remaining steadfast in our faith and purpose. Our journey, though filled with obstacles, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel and serving our communities.
As we continue our journey, our focus and priorities remain steadfast in mission evangelism, spreading the love and message of Christ to all corners of Bangladesh. I encourage all members of our Church to stay committed and inspired by the example of those who tirelessly work to bring the Gospel to even the most remote areas.
Additionally, I ask you to join me in prayer for the landslide victims and families in Papua New Guinea. Merciful God, we come with hearts full of grief and compassion for the people of Papua New Guinea. We bring before You the communities devastated by the recent landslide and those engaged in the rescue efforts. We mourn with our brothers and sisters in the Enga Province and pray for the discovery of more survivors and the reunion of families. Surround them with Your love and grant them the strength to endure this tragedy. Bless the efforts of the United Church in Papua New Guinea, the national and local governments, and all volunteers working to provide aid and relief. May Your presence be profoundly felt, bringing comfort, protection, and provision to those affected. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
May God bless you all abundantly as we move forward together in faith and mission.
In Christ,
The Most Revd. Samuel S. Mankhin
